New Zealand Purple Castor Oil Bean is a dramatic, towering annual that reaches 6 to 10 feet tall, crowned with deep purple foliage and stunning summer blooms. This cultivar of Ricinus communis grows from seed to flower in just 84 to 98 days, making it a fast-growing statement plant for full sun gardens. Deer naturally avoid it, and its moderate water needs make it surprisingly low-maintenance for such a striking presence. Whether you're drawn to its architectural form or its lush purple leaves, this New Zealand selection commands attention from June through August.
3
Full Sun
Moderate
10-11
120in H x 36in W
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Moderate
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The deep purple foliage sets this castor oil bean apart from its green-leafed relatives, creating a bold visual anchor in any garden scheme. It grows remarkably fast, reaching mature height in just over three months from seed, so you'll see dramatic results within a single season. The combination of its tall stature (up to 10 feet), substantial width, and rich color makes it a living sculptural element that thrives in full sun with only moderate water once established.
Castor oil beans are grown primarily for their seeds, which contain castor oil, a substance with long-standing applications in traditional medicine and industrial uses. The ornamental appeal of this purple variety, however, also makes it valuable as a dramatic foliage plant in cottage gardens and landscape borders, valued more for its striking visual presence than for oil extraction by most home gardeners.
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Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date. Plant seeds at a depth of 1/2 to 1 inch in pots and maintain soil temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Seeds typically sprout within 7 to 15 days.
Transplant outdoors after your last frost date has passed. Harden off seedlings gradually to outdoor conditions before planting them in their final location.
Direct sow seeds 2 weeks after your last frost date, when soil has warmed. Plant at a depth of 1/2 to 1 inch.
Remove seedpods before they naturally fall to the ground, particularly in frost-free areas where dropped seeds may germinate and create unwanted volunteer plants. Harvest pods when they mature and begin to dry on the plant.
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