Castor Bean Varieties

Gibsonii

• The Gibsonii castor bean plant variety does not grow as tall as most varieties; it grows as a shrub between 3 and 4 feet tall with leaves up to 3 feet wide. The new leaves are a shiny purple-red color with red veins. Older leaves turn bronze. Producing vivid red flowers in the summer, the Gibsonii adds striking accents, making a colorful addition to your ornamental garden or inside as a house plant.

Zanzibarensis

• The giant Zanzibarensis castor bean plant, also called Zanzibariensis and Zanzibar, usually has all green leaves but they can be shades of red also. Most grow this variety for its large, lush foliage. Zanzibarensis look impressive when planted in groups or as individual plants. The giant Zanzibarensis castor bean plant, which can grow up to 10 feet tall, requires full sun exposure. Sow the castor seeds after the last frost, keeping your hands protected with gloves. Space the seeds 36 to 48 inches apart. Never ingest any part of this plant to avoid poisoning.

Carmencita

• This shrub-like variety grows from 6 to 10 feet tall with bright red flowers. New leaves are a shiny bronze-red and as they become older, the leaves turn blue-green with pink veins. Carmencita leaves can grow up to 12 inches in diameter. The seed pods start out as pink, then turn a dark red color. Carmencita variety castor beans like full sun; soil must be well-drained to prevent mold.

New Zealand Purple

• The New Zealand Purple shrub castor bean plant can grow from 8 to 10 feet tall, producing red blooms in the last summer and early fall. The foliage can appear in colors of burgundy and purple, blue-green or evergreen. This variety grows mainly in the southern states but can grow as far north as Pennsylvania.