Britton Shiso (Perilla frutescens var. crispa ‘Britton’)

Bold, Bicolor Herb with Aromatic Leaves

Britton Shiso is a striking herbaceous annual celebrated for its mesmerizing two-tone foliage—vibrant green above and deep purple beneath. Each ruffled, heart-shaped leaf catches the light with a soft sheen, creating a lush, textured canopy that’s as ornamental as it is aromatic. Its upright, branching form matures into a full, bushy mound topped with delicate spikes of pale blossoms that bring pollinators. Native to the warm, temperate slopes and fertile field edges of East Asia, Britton Shiso thrives in rich soils and warm weather, flourishing as a fast-growing seasonal companion in the garden.

A favorite among growers for its uniquely layered flavor—herbal, bright, subtly spicy, and minty—Britton Shiso offers an exceptional culinary and sensory experience. Its antioxidant-rich leaves bring beauty, fragrance, and vigor to the landscape, while its self-seeding habit ensures it often reappears year after year in welcoming climates.

Shiso is deeply woven into the culinary and medicinal traditions of Japan, Korea, and China, where it has been cherished for centuries as both food and functional herb. In Japanese cuisine, it is essential in dishes like sashimi plates, umeboshi plums, tempura, and herbal teas, valued for its clean, refreshing lift and vibrant color. Korean kitchens use Perilla for kimchi, pickles, wraps, and rice dishes, while traditional herbal practices across East Asia prize the leaves and seeds for warming, digestive, and respiratory support. Britton Shiso, with its striking bicolor foliage, carries this heritage forward—an edible ornamental that connects the garden to a living cultural lineage.

Plant Britton Shiso in full sun to partial shade, with the best coloration and flavor developing in strong, direct light. Provide rich, moist, well-drained soil and keep watering consistent, especially during the hottest months. Though heat-loving, it benefits from some afternoon shade in very hot climates. Shiso grows quickly in warm weather and is not frost tolerant—treat it as a warm-season annual in most regions. Fertilize lightly with a balanced organic fertilizer to support leafy growth, and pinch new tips to encourage branching and prevent early flowering. Suitable for both containers and garden beds, though containers help contain its self-seeding tendencies. Expect your first harvest 45–60 days from sowing.