204 PERILLA 



PERIL'LA, or Beefsteak Plant (from a native Indian name). 

 Nat. Ord. Labiatce. 



P. argu'ta atropurpur^ea. See P. nankinenses. 



P. lacinea'tus atropurpur* 'ea is a very dark mulberry - 

 red coloured foliage plant, 18 ins. high, much 

 used in modern bedding on account of its 

 striking effect. The small flowers are of no 

 consequence and are usually picked off. This 

 particular variety has a crinkled edge to the 

 leaf, which gives it a lighter appearance. 



P. macrophyl'la has larger leaves, crinkled, and of 

 the same dark colour. 



P. nankinen'ses is the form usually seen and is much 

 the same as the others, but the foliage is not 

 crinkled nor quite so dark as the first-mentioned 

 variety. A native of Eastern India and China, 

 1770. Syn., P. argu'ta atropurpur^ea. 



The seed must be raised in heat about 65 to 

 70. Sow tV in. deep in February in pans, pricking 

 off the seedlings in pots singly and gradually harden 

 off. By the end of May or June they can be planted 

 out. They are usually placed in ribbons or small 

 clumps together, but it is a mistake to make too 

 free use of these plants as is often done, being 

 rather melancholy looking and having little to 

 recommend them except the contrast of their deep 

 coloured foliage. 



PERSICA'RIA. See POLYGONUM. 



