Carmencita Red Castor Oil Bean is a striking ornamental cultivar of Ricinus communis that brings theatrical drama to summer gardens with its deep crimson foliage and bold seed pods. Growing 6 to 10 feet tall with a compact 3-foot spread, it reaches full bloom within 84 to 98 days from seed, delivering months of visual impact from June through August. This deer-resistant plant thrives in full sun with moderate water, making it a low-maintenance focal point for gardeners seeking architectural interest and tropical flair in temperate climates.
3
Full Sun
Moderate
9-11
120in H x 36in W
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Moderate
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The defining feature of Carmencita Red is its intense burgundy coloring that deepens as the plant matures, creating a jewel-tone presence impossible to miss in the garden. Large, palmate foliage catches light beautifully, while spiky seed capsules develop in shades of crimson and red, extending the visual show well beyond typical flowering plants. Rapid growth from seed to flowering in less than three months means you can achieve dramatic impact even in shorter growing seasons.
Carmencita Red serves primarily as an ornamental focal plant, valued for its intense foliage color and architectural form rather than for any culinary or medicinal purpose. The plant's dramatic appearance makes it a standout choice for back-of-border plantings, tropical garden themes, and large container displays where its height and color create immediate visual impact.
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Sow seeds indoors in pots 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date. Plant seeds at a depth of 1/2 to 1 inch and maintain soil temperature between 65 and 75°F. Seeds typically sprout within 7 to 15 days under these conditions.
Transplant seedlings outdoors approximately 2 weeks after your last frost date, once soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Direct sow seeds 2 weeks after your last frost date when soil has warmed sufficiently. Plant at a depth of 1/2 to 1 inch.
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