castor bean
Ricinus communis
USDA zones9 to 11
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size6 to 10 feet tall2 to 4 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Dense
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellow, green
- Foliage color
- Green, purple/lavender
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
- Toxicity
- Toxic to pets
Garden uses
Notes
Castor bean (Ricinus communis) is a tall plant for borders, containers, and specimen use. 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 soil of most types. It grows fast and forms a dense mass of green and purple leaves. Deer tend to pass it by. Keep it away from pets, since it is toxic to them.
Pairs well with Artichoke, Chaste tree, and Indian grass.
Native range
Northeastern Africa to Middle East.