Ruscus aculeatus 'John Redmond'PBR (f/m)
butcher's broom 'John Redmond'
A compact, dwarf cultivar of this British native plant. Like the species, the "leaves" are actually flattened shoots, known as cladophylls, bearing a sharp spine. Red berries show from late summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 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
West–facing or East–facing or North–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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any but waterlogged soils and northern exposed sites. Hardy to -15°C. Good for groundcover in shaded spots
Propagation
Propagate by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Wildlife gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Ground cover
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
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