Ruscus aculeatus
butcher's broom
A bushy sub-shrub to 75cm, with glossy lance-shaped cladophylls 2.5cm in length, flowering in spring, with glossy red berries on female plants in summer and autumn
Other common names
box hollyknee holly
see moreknee holm
knee hull
kneeholy
pettigree
pettigrue
prickly box
shepherd's myrtle
wild myrtle
Synonyms
Ruscus aculeatus f. pumilus
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Red | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit 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
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe to Mediterr.
How to grow
Cultivation
Dried stems may be used in floral arrangements. Individual shoots are short-lived. Grow in any but waterlogged soils
Propagation
Propagate by seed or division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
- Low Maintenance
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Cut out dead stems to the base in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
Get involved
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