How to Grow Alportii
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Alportii
Ricinus communis 'Alportii'
shrubAlportii is a dramatic ornamental cultivar of castor bean with deep burgundy to black foliage and striking red flower spikes. This tender perennial shrub grows rapidly to 6-8 feet tall and makes a bold statement in tropical and subtropical gardens. The plant produces ornamental seed pods but should be handled with caution as the seeds contain ricin, a toxic protein.
When should you plant Alportii in your zone?
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Example Alportii timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Alportii
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Alportii
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Alportii dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; grow as annual in zones 8-9 with frost protection
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Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall plants with oval seed leaves; true leaves emerge with burgundy undertones
Keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat (75-85°F) for germination; thin seedlings to strongest plants
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksRapid growth with increasingly deep burgundy foliage; plant develops woody stems and lobed leaves
Water regularly; fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer; stake tall plants for support; prune to encourage bushiness if desired
Seed Production
4-8 weeksFlowers fade and ornamental seed pods develop, becoming spiny and warty; pods ripen from green to reddish-brown
Do NOT harvest or handle seeds without gloves—they contain ricin; remove pods before they split if self-seeding is not desired; can be left for ornamental interest
Dormancy/End of Season
VariableIn frost zones, plant dies back after first frost; in tropical zones, may remain evergreen
In zones 8-9, protect with mulch or bring indoors before frost; in zones 10-11, cut back spent growth and allow to regrow; wear gloves when handling seed pods
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase humidity; remove heavily infested leaves
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Hand-remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs; spray with horticultural oil; prune heavily infested branches
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Scrape off manually; apply horticultural oil; spray with insecticidal soap
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Use sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators
Uses
Tropical Garden Focal Point
OrnamentalThe dramatic deep burgundy to black foliage and striking red flower spikes make Alportii an exceptional specimen plant for tropical and warm-climate gardens. Its rapid growth and bold coloring create immediate visual impact in landscape designs. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
HouseholdThe colorful flower spikes and ornamental seed pods can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements. The contrast between burgundy foliage and red flowers makes striking centerpieces. [source]
Tropical Container Growing
HouseholdAlportii grows well in large pots and containers on patios, decks, and balconies in warm climates, providing season-long visual interest. Container growing also limits self-seeding and improves control. [source]
Pollinator Garden Attraction
WildlifeThe tubular red flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, making it a valuable nectar plant for supporting beneficial insects in the garden. [source]
Historical Medicinal Uses
MedicinalCastor bean plants have been used historically in traditional medicine, though modern use is limited due to toxicity concerns. The oil from the seeds (castor oil) has legitimate pharmaceutical uses, though Alportii is grown ornamentally rather than commercially. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Alportii is grown ornamentally; do not harvest seeds for consumption. If collecting seed pods for ornamental dried arrangements, wear heavy gloves and handle carefully. Allow pods to fully mature on plant before harvesting. Dead-head flowers regularly to maintain flowering and prevent excessive self-seeding.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Alportii is named after the deep 'alport' or burgundy color of its foliage, which intensifies in full sun and cool temperatures.
- 🌱 The castor bean plant is one of the fastest-growing ornamental shrubs, capable of reaching 6-8 feet in a single growing season in warm climates.
- 🌱 Despite containing ricin, castor oil extracted from the seeds has been used medicinally for centuries as a powerful laxative and remains an FDA-approved pharmaceutical ingredient.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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