About
This compact, evergreen shrub to 60cm tall and wide forming spreading clumps of erect, unbranched stems with dark green, pointed, leaf-like modifed shoots known as cladodes. Tiny flowers borne on the upper or lower surfaces of the cladodes in spring may be followed by small, red berries.
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
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesMediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Native toW Mediterranean
Care notes
CultivationWill grow in almost any garden situation, except waterlogged ground, including dry shade. Requires a sheltered position to survive outside in winter or provide protection
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