Magilla on the move

Few plants have made such a splash so quickly as Magilla perilla. Introduced last year, the annual is related to Perilla frutescens, commonly known as shiso and used in some Asian cuisines. But Magilla, more widely available this year, is grown for its lime green, hot pink, and plum leaves, which look remarkably like those of coleus, one of its cousins.

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Magilla perilla is a good choice for containers, as shown here with pink Showcase geraniums, purple Aromatica nemesia, and trailing 'Jade Frost' lamium--all growing in a galvanized metal tub. It also works well in the ground, where it will quickly reach 2 1/2 to 3 feet tall and as wide. Magilla prefers rich, well-drained soil and regular water but is surprisingly sun-tolerant--in fact, leaf color develops best in full sun along the coast and only light shade inland. The plant benefits from occasional tip pruning to keep it bushy and should last outdoors until frost.

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COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group