Ricinus communis 'New Zealand Purple'

Also Known As

Ricinus 'New Zealand Purple'
New Zealand Purple Castor Oil Bean
Purple Castor Bean

Plant type

perennial, annual / biennial

size

H: 6'
W: 3'

planting zones

1-12

More Options

Ricinus communis 'New Zealand Purple' plant details

Ricinus communis 'New Zealand Purple' is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous or evergreen annual / biennial or perennial with burgundy and purple foliage. In summer pink and red flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ricinus communis 'New Zealand Purple'

Plant type: annual / biennial or perennial
Plant family: euphorbiaceae
Foliage: deciduous or evergreen burgundy and purple
Mature size: 3 FT wide, 6 FT tall
Flowers: pink and red blooms in summer
Uses: big leaves, border plant, container plant, easy-to-grow, exotic, heirloom, toxic, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ricinus communis 'New Zealand Purple'

USDA Zones: 1 - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer, heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A Victorian favorite accent plant, often planted as the focal point of the garden bed, surrounded by caladiums and coleus. Vick's 1904 Garden and Floral Guide listed Duchess of Edinburg, with dark purple stems and leaves. Ours is a similar inky purple, the spiky seedpods just as dark as the leaves. A heat-lover, does well in humidity too.

By: Select Seeds

Big, bold, fast & flamboyant Castor Bean plants are shameless attention grabbers! This new variety from New Zealand flaunts large deep purple foliage as well as purple stems. Grow a big leafy specimen or background plant in a hurry. To 3’ tall, evergreen & perennial in USDA Zone 9b-11 (here in coastal California), annual elsewhere. Grow in rich soil & regular water for best show. Warning seeds are poisonous if eaten.