Castor Bean, Caster Oil Plant 'Red Spire'

Ricinuscommunis

Family
Euphorbiaceae (yoo-for-bee-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Ricinus (RISS-i-nus)
Species
communis (KOM-yoo-nis)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Height
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)
Spacing
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color
Maroon/Burgundy
Bloom Time
Late Fall/Early Winter
Other Details
Category
Annuals
Tropicals and Tender Perennials
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Burgundy/Maroon
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
May be a noxious weed or invasive
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
Direct sow as soon as the ground can be worked
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season
Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Glendale, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona

Marysville, California

San Jose, California

North Port, Florida

Orange Park, Florida

Shepherdsville, Kentucky

Staten Island, New York

Easton, Pennsylvania

New Galilee, Pennsylvania

San Antonio, Texas

Pearisburg, Virginia

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Gardener's Notes:

1
positive
1
neutral
0
negative
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C
ROSLINDALE, MA | March 2016 | neutral

This species has naturalized in 34 states. As far north as Maine, it can overwinter as a self-sowing annual.

Where it is h...Read More

F
Staten Island, New York City, NY (Zone 6b) | August 2013 | positive

I start these in biodegradable peat pots. Not the kind that expands, as the seedlings need room for the roots. I tried that once and the...Read More

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