Size Matters:
Choosing the Right Beefsteak Plant for Your Landscape

Beefsteak plants, also known as Perilla frutescens, are a beautiful and versatile addition to any landscape. These plants produce edible leaves that are commonly used in Asian cuisine, but they can also be grown purely for ornamental purposes. However, with so many different varieties of beefsteak plants available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your landscape. In this article, we will discuss the different sizes of beefsteak plants and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Small Beefsteak Plants

Small beefsteak plants typically grow to be around 12 inches tall and wide. They are perfect for containers or small gardens where space is limited. One popular variety of small beefsteak plant is ‘Crispa’, which has crinkled leaves and a beautiful purple-pink hue. Another popular variety is ‘Magilla’, which has variegated leaves that range from purple to green.

Medium Beefsteak Plants

Medium beefsteak plants typically grow to be around 24 inches tall and wide. They are great for adding some height to a garden without taking up too much space. One popular medium-sized variety is ‘Britton’, which has large, glossy leaves that are a deep purple color. Another popular variety is ‘Bella’, which has smaller leaves that are a bright green color.

Large Beefsteak Plants

Large beefsteak plants can grow up to 36 inches tall and wide, making them perfect for creating a dramatic focal point in your landscape. One popular variety of large beefsteak plant is ‘Shiso’, which has large, serrated leaves that are a beautiful shade of green. Another popular variety is ‘Atropurpurea’, which has dark purple leaves that are almost black.

Choosing the Right Size

When choosing a beefsteak plant for your landscape, it’s important to consider the size of the plant at maturity as well as the space you have available. If you have limited space, a small or medium-sized plant may be the best choice. If you have plenty of space and want to create a dramatic effect, a large beefsteak plant may be the way to go.

It’s also important to consider the overall look and feel you want for your landscape. If you’re going for a more traditional look, a small or medium-sized plant may be best. If you’re looking for something more modern or dramatic, a large beefsteak plant may be the way to go.

Care and Maintenance

Beefsteak plants are relatively easy to care for and maintain. They prefer well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. They also require regular watering, especially during periods of drought.

If you’re growing your beefsteak plant for culinary purposes, it’s important to harvest the leaves regularly to encourage new growth. The leaves can be used fresh or dried for use in teas or other culinary dishes.

FAQ

Q: Can I grow beefsteak plants indoors?

A: Yes, beefsteak plants can be grown indoors as long as they receive plenty of sunlight and are planted in well-draining soil.

Q: Are beefsteak plants safe for pets?

A: While beefsteak plants are not toxic to pets, they may cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities.

Q: Can I grow different varieties of beefsteak plants together?

A: Yes, different varieties of beefsteak plants can be grown together as long as they have similar growing requirements.

In conclusion, choosing the right size of beefsteak plant for your landscape depends on several factors including space availability and desired aesthetic appearance. Small varieties work well in containers or small gardens while larger plants create focal points in larger landscapes. Proper care includes well-draining soil, plenty of sunlight, regular watering and harvesting for culinary purposes when applicable. With proper maintenance and consideration of plant size when selecting varieties, these beautiful plants can provide both ornamental appeal and culinary benefits in your landscape design.