A distinct half-hardy annual, with heart-shaped ovate deep-purple strongly veined leaves, which constitute the chief feature of the plant for bedding purposes. Seeds are sown best in cutting boxes about February, the young plants being afterwards pricked out about 3 in. apart in similar boxes or placed separately in 3-in. pots. A good trade is done in May and June, after which the remnants are generally thrown away. The best varieties are macrophylla compacta, with very large deep-coloured leaves; and atropurpurea lacini-ata, very deep colour with cut margins.

Fig. 235. - Perilla nankinensis.