Carmencita castor bean
Ricinus communis 'Carmencita'
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones9 to 11
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size4 to 5 feet tallup to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Dense
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
- Toxicity
- Toxic to pets
Garden uses
Notes
'Carmencita' castor bean (Ricinus communis 'Carmencita') is a shrub for borders, containers, and specimen plantings. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 9 and warmer, down to about 20°F (-7°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes full sun and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. It grows fast into a dense plant that stands about 4 to 5 feet tall. Keep it away from pets, since it is toxic to them. Deer rarely make it their first choice.
Pairs well with Lemon grass, Taro, African daisy, and Tuscan Blue rosemary.