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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Ricinus communis 'Carmencita'

Carmencita Castor Oil 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.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Summer to early fall

Find this plant

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.