Castor Bean, Palma Christi

Ricinus Communis

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Overview

The Castor Bean 'Ricinus communis', or Palma Christi, is a striking, fast-growing tropical perennial reaching up to 10 feet in height. Its large, star-shaped leaves span up to 2 feet across, creating a bold texture with a deep reddish-purple hue. Caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the seeds. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Hardy in zones 9-11, grown as an annual in cooler climates.

Sun Full, HalfWater LowZones 9–10Climate Subtropical

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — scientifically known as Ricinus communis and also commonly referred to as Palma Christi

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — scientifically known as Ricinus communis and also commonly referred to as Palma Christi

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — This perennial is often grown as an annual in temperate climates due to its sensitivity to frost

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — The Castor Bean 'Ricinus communis'

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — fast-growing tropical perennial reaching up to 10 feet in height

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Its large, star-shaped leaves span up to 2 feet across, creating a bold texture with a deep reddish-purple hue

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the seeds

Culture

Sun: Full, Half
Water: Low
USDA zones: 9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Euphorbiaceae
Climate: Subtropical

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Photos (152)

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — fast-growing specimen that can add a bold architectural statement to any garden

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — scientifically known as Ricinus communis and also commonly referred to as Palma Christi

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — This perennial is often grown as an annual in temperate climates due to its sensitivity to frost

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — The Castor Bean 'Ricinus communis'

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — fast-growing tropical perennial reaching up to 10 feet in height

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Its large, star-shaped leaves span up to 2 feet across, creating a bold texture with a deep reddish-purple hue

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the seeds

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Prefers full sun and well-drained soil

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Hardy in zones 9-11, grown as an annual in cooler climates

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — they are also the source of castor oil

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — historically used for medicinal purposes.<br><br>Given its rapid growth

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Castor Bean plants are best placed in the back of a border or as a focal point

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — palmate leaves that can span up to 2 feet wide

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Ricinus communis comes in a variety of colors

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — from deep green to purplish-red

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — The leaves are arranged in a star-like pattern adding to its dramatic appearance

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Mid-summer to fall, the plant produces spiny seed pods and small, inconspicuous flowers

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — While the seeds are noteworthy for containing ricin

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — They prefer full sun and thrive in rich, well-drained soil

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Regular watering during dry periods will ensure a lush, captivating presence

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — place the Castor Bean in areas away from pets and children

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Its large, star-shaped leaves span up to 2 feet across, creating a bold texture with a deep, image 27

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; fast-growing specimen that can add a bold architectural statement to

Castor Bean, Palma Christi (Ricinus Communis) — Caution: all plant parts contain toxic ricin, especially the seeds; the Castor Bean 'Ricinus communis'

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