Ricinus communis Carmencita

The Ricinus communis 'Carmencita', or Blood Castor Oil Plant, is a tall herbaceous annual with a bushy habit, and its large palmate leaves are green-bordeaux in colour. Its fruits are red and spiny, giving it a decorative appearance.

The imposing size of the Ricinus Carmencita (up to 2 metres (7 feet) tall) allows it to be placed in the back of a border. Its branching habit resembles that of a small bush. Its red stems are smooth and strong, and they bear large palmate leaves with pointed and toothed lobes. These leaves are shiny and flamboyant, creating a dark but warm and vibrant background. Flowering begins in August with yellow clusters that later transform into bright red capsule-shaped fruits. These fruits are round and completely covered in small spines. They persist until October and add warmth to the garden in autumn. It is a perennial but cultivated as an annual in our climates. It prefers sunny exposures protected from the wind, with rich, moist, well-drained soil. Do not hesitate to water it in case of drought and to amend the soil where it will be planted. In pots, it will also require fertilisation to promote its exuberance.

The Blood Castor Oil Plant is grown for its highly nutritious oil extracted from its large seeds. It has medicinal properties and is used in homoeopathy and cosmetology. In ancient times, it was even used to fuel oil lamps. However, all parts of the plant, especially the seeds, are toxic. Be sure to warn children to avoid its tempting fruits and keep domestic animals away.

The Ricinus communis Carmencita can be used individually, thanks to its branching habit, large glossy and colourful leaves, and clusters of scarlet fruits. But it also serves as a background for summer borders composed of perennials in yellow-orange tones and grasses when planted in small groups.