Backyard

Resorts

 

Castor Bean (Ricinus communis),

This absolutely beautiful and very easy to grow plant is guaranteed to bring an exotic, almost jungle feel to just about any area.  It has huge, palmate leaves that can be over 2 feet across, and delivers a look that is unduplicated in the tropical garden.

 One of our goals with Backyard Resorts is to have fun, and this plant is fun.  You grow it from seed and, believe it or not,  it can grow well over 12 feet tall in a single season, depending on the variety.   You can grow it as a specimen plant, or in groups to create a spectacular tropical screen. I've found that castor beans  combine very well with bananas, cannas, gingers, and other tropical looking plants. I suggest you  look to the bronze/red varieties such as Carmencita as they provide an even more dramatic effect.

Castor Beans are annuals in all but the warmest zones, but tend to reseed themselves.  Plant the seeds in the spring, in well-drained soil and in full sun.  To get the most out of castor beans in the shortest amount of time, I recommend that you enrich the soil with compost at planting time and provide plenty of water early in the growing cycle. This is a tough plant and, once established, requires very little maintenance. 

Seeds or readily available on ebay or through online retailers.  You will only need to buy seeds once as you can collect seeds from your own plants once you have some established.

Fair warning, all parts, and especially the seeds, of this plant are poisonous if ingested.