Ricinus communis 'Zanzibariensis'

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castor oil plant 'Zanzibariensis'

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castor oil plant 'Zanzibariensis' John Fielding

Synonyms

Ricinus communis var. zanzibarensis

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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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Euphorbiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
TOXIC if eatenwear 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)