Ricinus communis
castor oil plant
An erect, branching shrub to 1.5m when grown as an annual, with very deeply 5- to 12-lobed, glossy, green, red or bronze leaves to 30cm long, held on red stems. Insignificant yellow flowers are produced in summer; these are followed by bright red, spherical, spiky seed capsules
Other common names
castor beanhands of Christ
see moreJonah's gourd
man's motherwort
mole bean
mole plant
oil plant
palma-Christi
palms of Christ
steadfast
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Bronze Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green Bronze Red | ||
| Autumn | Green Bronze Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- N.E. Africa to W. Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant out after the last frosts in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun. Stake in exposed sites
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed in spring, singly into 9cm pots
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Bedding
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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