How much sun does Beefsteak-mint need?

Beefsteak-mint grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Beefsteak-mint bloom?

Beefsteak-mint blooms in July, August, and September.

What pollinators does Beefsteak-mint attract?

Beefsteak-mint draws bees and butterflies.

Is Beefsteak-mint HOA-friendly?

Beefsteak-mint takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Beefsteak-mint

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Perilla frutescens

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Beefsteak-mint (Perilla frutescens) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Native alternatives to Beefsteak-mint

Beefsteak-mint is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Perilla frutescens is an annual herb with aromatic foliage that grows 1-3 feet tall in part sun conditions. This Asian mint relative produces small flower spikes in summer and fall that attract pollinators. The plant has a bushy, upright growth habit and requires moderate watering throughout the growing season.

In an HOA neighborhood

Beefsteak-mint takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Non-native species may not meet native plant requirements
Can self-seed aggressively and become weedy
May not be recognized as intentional landscaping by HOA boards

Wildlife value

The summer and fall blooms provide nectar for bees and butterflies during the later part of the growing season. As an annual, it offers seasonal pollinator support rather than year-round wildlife habitat.

Common questions

How much sun does Beefsteak-mint need?: Beefsteak-mint grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Beefsteak-mint bloom?: Beefsteak-mint blooms in July, August, and September.
What pollinators does Beefsteak-mint attract?: Beefsteak-mint draws bees and butterflies.
Is Beefsteak-mint HOA-friendly?: Beefsteak-mint takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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