Perilla ‘Magilla Purple’ is a visually striking ornamental plant, popular for its vibrant color and distinctive foliage. Its showy leaves and ease of care make it a versatile choice for gardens and containers.
Understanding Perilla Magilla Purple
Perilla ‘Magilla Purple’ (Perilla frutescens ‘Magilla Purple’) is a cultivar of the beefsteak plant. It features an upright, mounded growth habit, typically reaching 24-36 inches in height and 12-18 inches in width. Its foliage displays deep purple or magenta hues, often variegated with splashes of green, fuchsia, and cream. While a tender perennial hardy to 32°F (0°C), it is commonly grown as an annual in most temperate climates due to its sensitivity to cold.
Cultivating Perilla Magilla Purple
The plant thrives in locations that receive full sun to partial shade, which significantly influences the intensity of its leaf coloration. Full sun promotes the most vivid purple and variegated patterns in the foliage. While it tolerates some shade, insufficient light can lead to less intense color and more greenish leaves.
Perilla ‘Magilla Purple’ prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter, maintaining consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged. An ideal soil pH is between 5.8 and 6.2. Allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings, but the plant should not wilt. Container plants may require more frequent watering than those in garden beds.
This perilla cultivar tolerates heat well, preferring daytime temperatures between 74-85°F (23-29°C) and nighttime temperatures ranging from 59-70°F (15-21°C). Consistent feeding supports vigorous growth and vibrant foliage. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks or use a slow-release granular product.
When planting, space individual plants 12-16 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth, preventing overcrowding. Perilla ‘Magilla Purple’ can be easily propagated from stem cuttings, which root readily in water or moist potting mix. Taking cuttings in late summer or early fall allows gardeners to overwinter plants indoors for the following season.
Landscape and Design Applications
The vibrant coloration and upright growth habit of Perilla ‘Magilla Purple’ make it a versatile plant for landscape and design. Its bold foliage serves as an excellent accent, drawing attention to specific areas.
It is particularly effective in containers, where its upright form acts as a “thriller” element, providing vertical interest. The deep purple and magenta leaves create a strong contrast against lighter-colored flowers or foliage in mixed plantings. Perilla ‘Magilla Purple’ can also be mass planted for dramatic color or used as a striking border plant. Its heat tolerance allows it to maintain its appearance even during the warmest months, making it a reliable choice.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Fading of its vibrant purple color or leggy growth often indicates insufficient light. The plant needs adequate sun exposure to maintain its rich hues and compact form. Moving the plant to a brighter location or ensuring it receives at least partial to full sun can help restore its color and encourage bushier growth. Regular pinching of the stem tips also promotes a denser, more branched habit, preventing legginess.
While generally robust, Perilla ‘Magilla Purple’ can be affected by common garden pests such as aphids, spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies. Slugs and grasshoppers may also cause some leaf damage. A strong spray of water can dislodge many pests; for persistent infestations, horticultural soaps or appropriate insecticides can be applied. Root rot can occur in overly wet conditions, so ensure well-draining soil and careful watering. Removing any developing flower spikes is also advisable, as these are not particularly ornamental and can detract from the foliage, while also preventing unwanted self-seeding.