Ricinus communis 'Zanzibariensis'
castor oil plant 'Zanzibariensis'
A tender, fast-growing evergreen shrub to 2.5m tall usually grown as an annual in temperate climates. Large, palmate leaves up to 60cm across are deeply lobed and toothed. Clusters of bright red flowers are borne on spikes in late summer and followed by scarlet seed pods
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten, wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Ricinus is a fast-growing evergreen shrub, often grown as an annual, with large, palmately lobed leaves and dense spikes of small flowers, followed by prickly seed capsules
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a peat-free, loam-based compost in full light. Water freely in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Plant outdoors when all danger of frost has passed. Stake plants in exposed positions. Plants grown on poorer soils tend to produce flowers at the expense of foliage
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sowing in late spring. Soak seed for 24 hours and sow singly in pots with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- City and courtyard gardens
- Sub-tropical
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required, but pruning group 9 if needed
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.