Plant encyclopedia›caster oil plant 'Impala'

caster oil plant 'Impala'

Also known as: Information to be completed

A tender, fast-growing, evergreen shrub usually grown as an annual in temperate climates. Large, deeply-lobed leaves up to 30cm wide emerge a dark purplish-red to bronze colour and may change to a dark green with age. Flower spikes comprise clusters of creamy-white male flowers topped by showy red female flowers and these are followed by prickly, rounded, maroon-red seed pods in autumn

Scientific classification

Species: caster oil plant 'Impala' (Ricinus communis 'Impala')
Genus: Ricinus
Family: Euphorbiaceae

TOXIC if eaten, wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling]
Toxicity: Shrubs · Bedding
Plant type: 1-1.5 metres
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

caster oil plant 'Impala' pictures

Distribution of caster oil plant 'Impala'

Distribution map

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Culture

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Toxicity

TOXIC if eaten, wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling]

Quick identification of caster oil plant 'Impala'

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caster oil plant 'Impala' care guide

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging

Fertilizing

Balanced feed in spring and light repeat in growth season

Pruning

Prune lightly as needed to remove unwanted shoots and keep the shrub in shape. Prune in mid- to late spring.

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sowing in late spring. Soak seed for 24 hours and sow singly in pots with bottom heat

Growing

Grow in a loam-based compost in full light. Water freely in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Plant outdoors when all danger of frost has passed. Stake plants in exposed positions. Plants grown on poorer soils tend to produce flowers at the expense of foliage

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