Castor Bean, Caster Oil Plant
Ricinuscommunis 'Red Spire'

Category
Annuals
Tropicals and Tender Perennials

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Foliage
Grown for foliage

Foliage Color
Burgundy/Maroon

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)

Where to Grow

Danger
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested

Bloom Color
Maroon/Burgundy

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Fall/Early Winter

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