Near the side of my home, I would like to plant castor bean from seed next year, but I found out that the plant is poisonous. I don’t have kids, but would it be dangerous for a pet, whether it be mine or a stray?

Although the castor bean plant is quite poisonous, most four-legged animals have more sense than we do, and they instinctively leave it alone. The large colorful seedpods are the most deadly part of the plant. Castor bean loves hot and humid summers, which Michigan often endures. It would probably be best to cut off all seed capsules before they mature, since those pods can shoot their seeds as far as 20 feet away and an animal foraging for something else could mistakenly eat them. Furthermore, some people are allergic to the plant’s sap. It is best to wear protective gloves if you tend to suffer from skin irritations. While castor beans love full sun and are very drought resistant, regular watering insures the healthiest growth and leafing out. You might consider planting bean seeds in a large movable container, but nothing smaller than a half whiskey barrel size. That way you can sow your seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date, providing warmth and full sun (or bright light) so the seedlings have plenty of room to grow. Next, thin seedlings to only a few, especially if you intend to keep them in the container. If castor bean roots become confined, they stop growing and start blooming. You might search out one of the deep purple leaf varieties for added interest and color.

I am looking for a shrub, other than green, for the front of my house. Preferably, I would like a purple or red color during the spring, summer and fall. I don’t want barberry. Can you recommend anything? What about purpleleaf sand cherry? I need something that doesn’t get too big because it will be at the corner of my house (2 to 3 feet away from the house).

There is a short list of shrubs and small trees that suit your needs. However the first concern before making your selection would be assuring that the plant is properly sited. You mentioned that you would like to plant it 2 to 3 feet from your house. This is generally way too close. The absolute minimum distance from your home should be 3 feet, and if there’s an overhang, even further. Planting too close is not only a hindrance for both home and garden maintenance, but also your home will, because of grading and height, not allow rain to reach the plants roots. That said here is the list. Note that these all will color their best in full sun.

Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria) – 15 by 15 feet. ‘Royal Purple’ and ‘Velvet Cloak’ are two good purple varieties. Smoky, cloud-like panicles of pinkish flowers in June. Smokebush can be kept to a smaller size by hard pruning in early spring, thus sacrificing that season’s bloom. Well-drained soil, full sun.

Purpleleaf sand cherry (Prunus x cistena) – Can grow to 10 feet, but is usually pruned or hedged. A respectable landscape plant when a dark purple, almost black leaf is desired. However, many chewing insects find the leaves just as appealing. Average to well-drained soil, full sun.

Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diablo’) – ‘Diablo’ has deep burgundy leaves and attractive pinkish-white, button-like blooms in summer. It’s a quick grower to roughly 8 by 8 feet, however it may also be hard pruned in early spring to maintain a desired size. Well-drained site, full sun. It will take some shade but will color best in full sun.

Weigela (Weigela florida ‘Wine and Roses’) – Compact shrub, 4 to 5 feet high and wide. The leaves are a dark burgundy to a brownish purple with bright rose-pink flowers in June, then sporadically through summer. Can be lightly pruned after the June flush to maintain its rounded shape. Average to well-drained soils in full sun.

Redleaf rose (Rosa glauca) – This species rose has bluish to red-mauve foliage (resistant to blackspot), single, bright pink flowers in early summer and clusters of scarlet hips in autumn. This is a vase-shaped rose growing to about 6 feet by 6 feet. Average moisture needs, full sun.

Cutleaf Japanese maple (Acer palmatum var. dissectum) – Very slow-growing, small mounded trees ranging from 2 by 2 feet to 12 by 12 feet (depending on the variety). ’Crimson Queen,’ ‘Garnet,’ ‘Red Dragon’ and many more red-leaved varieties available. Moist, highly organic, well-drained soils in light shade to full sun.

European beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea Pendula’) – If there is no overhang. A very slow-growing, weeping, purple, irregularly-shaped tree. Grows to about 10 feet, however can be kept smaller with thoughtful pruning. Moist, well drained soils in full to part sun.