Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Ricinus communis 'Carmencita'
Carmencita Castor Oil Plant
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Height
- 6 to 10 feet
- Width
- 3 to 5 feet
- Flower color
- Bright red female flower spikes above smaller yellow male flowers
- Foliage color
- Deep red to bronze palmate leaves with a glossy surface
- Bloom time
- Summer to early fall
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Moderate; handle carefully due to highly toxic seeds and remove spent flower spikes to limit reseeding
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 9 to 11 grown as an annual in cooler climates
- Wildlife
- Not noted for attracting wildlife and generally avoided due to toxicity
About this plant
Ricinus communis 'Carmencita' develops large, palmate leaves in rich burgundy to deep red tones, each blade divided into sharply pointed lobes with a glossy surface and red tinted stems. In mid to late summer, upright clusters of small red flowers appear above the foliage, followed by vivid red, spiny seed capsules that add continued color and texture through the season.
Originating from tropical Africa, the species has long been cultivated worldwide, with 'Carmencita' selected for ornamental display. In garden settings, it serves as a bold focal point in borders, contemporary plantings, and seasonal containers where dramatic foliage and colorful seed heads create vertical emphasis.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Garden phlox · Black-eyed Susans · Daylilies · Lavender · Coreopsis · Russian sage
Design tip
Fall bloom is its strength, and it earns a place near a path or seating area used late in the year. In full sun it holds its shape best, and grouping several together keeps the color strong enough to be seen from across the garden.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Point Defiance Park.
