About
A small evergreen shrub which unlike the species, produces both male and female flowers on the same plant, so only one is needed to produce its glossy, round, red berries. These follow the small, pale green flowers growing directly from evergreen, leaf-like cladophylls - flattened stems which are dark green and leathery, with a sharp spine at the tip.
About the genus
Ruscus are rhizomatous evergreen subshrubs with flattened, leaf-like cladophylls bearing small pale green flowers, followed on female or hermaphrodite plants by glossy red berries
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityFruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
CultivationWill grow in almost any garden situation, except waterlogged ground, including dry shade. Individual stems are short lived
PruningCut out dead stems to the base in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility