Castor Bean - Impala

The Castor Bean Impala, 'Ricinus communis', has fast growing, dramatically tropical, dark bronze foliage. Because all parts of this plant are poisonous, do not plant this near very small children and pets. With this in mind, you will love this plant if you need a tall tropical looking screen. Small scarlet flowers appear on foot-high stalks, followed by prickly husks, which contain brown speckled seeds. The Castor Bean blooms in summer when the plants are about 1 foot tall. The Impala grows best in hot, humid climates and in full sun. They prefer sandy or clay loam soils with good drainage. Water regularly like you would other tall plants. Plant in the spring after the last average frost date. The Caster Bean is an excellent quick hedge. The large copper-red leaves are dramatic and tropical looking. ... more