About
Ruscus aculeatus var. aculeatus 'Lanceolatus' (f) is an evergreen, clump-forming shrub to around 1 m with flexible stems bearing long, narrow, sharply-tipped, dark-green cladodes on their upper parts. Tiny, greenish, star-shaped flowers may be followed by red, berry-like fruits. A rewarding and ornamental cultivar for a shaded, moist border.
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. Excellent shade-tolerant evergreen plants for deep shade.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-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 usesBorders, containers, mixed plantings.
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
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