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Ricinus communis 'Carmencita' (Castor bean)

Ricinus communis ‘Carmencita’ Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Ricinus communis 'Carmencita' RY-sin-us kom-YEW-nis Common Name: Castor bean Genus: Ricinus
'Carmencita' castor bean is a shrub, usually grown as an annual, that grows to 6 to 10 feet and is well branched, with dark bronze-red foliage and bright red female flowers. Grow in a cool greenhouse or use as a specimen foliage plant in the summer outdoors.
 Noteworthy characteristics: All parts are highly toxic if ingested, particularly the seeds.
 Care: Needs rich, well-drained soil in full sun to perform well. Stake in exposed sites. Under glass, grow in full light and water freely, except in winter.
 Propagation: Soak seed for 24 hours before sowing in late spring, in pots at 70°F. Plant out or pot on into larger pots before they become root-bound to prevent premature flower production. Plant in the garden after the threat of frost has passed.
 Problems: Spider mites, gray mold, seedling blight, charcoal rot, bacterial wilt, bacterial leaf spot.
Height 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Growth Pace Fast Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Summer
Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage
Flower Color Red Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Indoor Plant, Specimen Plant/ Focal Point, Suitable as Annual
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest
Type Shrubs

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