OT: Castor flowering/seeding

10 years ago

I started this plant about 1.5 years ago. The seeds come with an interesting story. I met the older gentleman because I admired his large plumerias. However, as we spoke, another plant caught my eye. I believe his every word. The seeds were obtained surreptitiously many years ago. He jumped the wall at the Ursuline Convent in New Orleans because the plants attracted his eye as well.

He grew the plants for many years, until after Katrina, he heard that the convent had lost all of their specimen of the plant. When his plant next went to seed, he took some pods to New Orleans and told one of the sisters what he had done many years ago. She thanked him for the seeds, and forgave him for taking them! The best part of the story is that she told him that this plant had been brought with the original Ursuline group from Europe when they came around 1726.

If anyone is interested, it is a large red/purple leaf. I should have seeds soon if you would like some.

WARNING: They are poisonous. They also grow really fast, and really tall. This one is short at about 8 feet. They make a statement.

Featured Answer

User

10 years ago

That is a striking plant. But, arg, ricin.

Jerry, would you mind posting a photo of the entire plant? This seems to be the only way for me to appreciate this one.

Pagan

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (14)

ConnyNL (The Netherlands, 8b)
10 years ago
Lovely story Jerry, thanks for sharing!
jedobaTX9b thanked ConnyNL (The Netherlands, 8b)
bgp_123
10 years ago
I would love to have some seeds.I am not the sharpest tack in the box when it comes to computers so I will need help with shipment details. Please bear with me!

Thanks,Bobby
Related Professionals
York Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Grand Rapids Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Burlington Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Montrose Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Seattle Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Redding Accessory Dwelling Units · Kennewick Accessory Dwelling Units · Rock Hill Architects & Building Designers · Dallas Architects & Building Designers · Martinsburg Architects & Building Designers · Newburyport Architects & Building Designers · Sioux Falls Architects & Building Designers · Los Angeles Architects & Building Designers · San Francisco Architects & Building Designers · Sanford Architects & Building Designers
Susana (Florida USA - 9a)
10 years ago
Jerry, I had one a few years ago and loved it. But unfortunately it died on me. I would love to have some seeds, if I may. The seeds are also beautiful, but highly poisonous. Let me know, thank you.

Susana
jedobaTX9b thanked Susana (Florida USA - 9a)
eeyore94sooregon
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I would love some as well. If you by chance have some left. Thank you! Alma
jedobaTX9b thanked eeyore94sooregon
jedobaTX9b
Original Author
10 years ago
I am sure there will be plenty for all! Thank you for your comments.
greenclaws UK, Zone 8a
10 years ago
What an interesting story, fascinating!

Is the plant hardy for you Jerry? I've seen both this and the green form over here they're often grown as a 'dot plant' in formal bedding such as in parks and stately home gardens so I think they're grown as annuals in that instance.

Gill
jedobaTX9b thanked greenclaws UK, Zone 8a
jedobaTX9b
Original Author
10 years ago
I'm not sure if it will remain hardy or not. Often, our winters have a low not lower than around 35F. However, we can freeze. I honestly don't have enough experience with this plant yet to know it's limitations.

If you would like, I would be happy to send you some seeds. I am sure it would get at least as tall as mine for you. I have it planted on the north side of my house.
rcharles_gw (Canada)
10 years ago
I grew 3 different forms of the Castor Beans last year and they are definitely striking plants. The plants here will not over winter in the ground, but seed which falls to ground will grow in the next year.

Rick
jedobaTX9b thanked rcharles_gw (Canada)
jedobaTX9b
Original Author
9 years ago
I'll see what I can do tomorrow. Mine is a single tall stalk with purple leaves. With it being so tall, I could try a top down picture from the roof!

I'll try pinching the next ones I grow to make them branch. I also want to see how hard I can push them. 20 feet? ;)
bragu_DSM 5
9 years ago
pushing poison now, eh jerry? sure you don't live in co.?
jedobaTX9b thanked bragu_DSM 5
jedobaTX9b
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
It would seem very hard to capture this entire plant. I think I would need to be right over it. I have some additional pictures. One taken around 6 ft off ground, and other 9 or 10 ft.

Edit: Bragu, I'm your guy if you need some ricin. Meet me in the alley out back..
User
9 years ago
Very nice color. Like papaya leaves, except Burgundy-ish.
jedobaTX9b thanked User
Sinha
9 years ago
We have the green variety in India, which grows wild and is used for extracting castor oil ( many industrial uses and also for constipation), but ours have slightly rough and thorny leaves..no one grows it at home here and it is mostly considered a weed. But your burgundy specimen is lovely..and the flowers too!
jedobaTX9b thanked Sinha