- Botanical name: Ricinus communis
- Common name: Castor oil plant
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Plant Type: Shrub
Yellow
Purple
- Key features:
- Dramatic foliage
- Flowers
- Prefers rich soil
Although in its tropical homeland, the caster oil plant, Ricinus communis, reaches 8-12m in height, its growth can be restricted in a British garden setting, and it’s usually grown in containers as an annual. While Ricinus communis does produce greenish-yellow flowers, it is grown mainly for its large, glossy, reddish purple foliage.
Seeds must be sown early in the year, and ideally soaked for a few hours in tepid water beforehand. At the end of the season, plants are either discarded or rehoused under glass to grow on as a small conservatory shrub. All parts of Ricinus communis are highly toxic, particularly the seeds, so it’s a good idea to deadhead the fluffy blooms before seeds set.
How to grow Ricinus communis
-
Plant size
1.8m height
100cm spread
-
Aspect
South facing, west facing
-
Position in border
Middle
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Hardiness: Tender
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow | ||||||||||||
| Sow |
J
Do not Sow in January |
F
Do not Sow in February |
M
Do Sow in March |
A
Do Sow in April |
M
Do not Sow in May |
J
Do not Sow in June |
J
Do not Sow in July |
A
Do not Sow in August |
S
Do not Sow in September |
O
Do not Sow in October |
N
Do not Sow in November |
D
Do not Sow in December |
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do Plant in June |
J
Do not Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do not Plant in September |
O
Do not Plant in October |
N
Do not Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does not flower in March |
A
Plant does not flower in April |
M
Plant does not flower in May |
J
Plant does not flower in June |
J
Plant does flower in July |
A
Plant does flower in August |
S
Plant does flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
Ricinus communis and wildlife
Ricinus communis has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Ricinus communis poisonous?
Ricinus communis causes an upset stomach and toxins are absorbed by the skin. Its seeds, roots, seed capsules, foliage and sap are toxic.
Toxic to Birds
Toxic to Cats
Toxic to Dogs
Toxic to Horses
Toxic to Livestock
Toxic to People
