About
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.
About the 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
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Annual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesMediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toN.E. Africa to W. Asia
ToxicityTOXIC 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
Care notes
CultivationPlant out after the last frosts in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun. Stake in exposed sites
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed in spring, singly into 9cm pots
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)