Overview

Ruscus aculeatus is a rhizomatous subshrubs shrub in the genus Ruscus, part of the Asparagaceae family, with evergreen, leathery cladophylls foliage. It typically grows around 0.8 m tall. Ruscus aculeatus grows best in full shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include ground cover, underplanting and woodland gardens. It is native to Albania, Algeria, Azores, Baleares, Bulgaria, Canary Is., Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., France, Great Britain and Greece.

About

Ruscus aculeatus, known as butcher's-broom, is a low evergreen dioecious Eurasian shrub, with flat shoots known as cladodes that give the appearance of stiff, spine-tipped leaves. Small greenish flowers appear in spring, and are borne singly in the centre of the cladodes.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ruscus aculeatus

About the genus

Ruscus, commonly known as butcher's-broom, is a genus of six species of flowering plants, native to western and southern Europe, Macaronesia, northwestern Africa, and southwestern Asia east to the Caucasus. In the APG III classification system, it is placed in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Convallarioideae.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Ruscus

Sunlight

Full shade

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy, Clay

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

Aspect

North-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Ruscus aculeatus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Shrub

Habit

Rhizomatous subshrubs

Foliage

Evergreen, leathery cladophylls

Height

0.8 m

Suggested uses

Ground cover, underplanting, woodland gardens

Native to

Albania, Algeria, Azores, Baleares, Bulgaria, Canary Is., Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., France, Great Britain, Greece

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Ruscus aculeatus

Propagation

Division, seed

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions