Ruscus aculeatus hermaphrodite
butcher's broom hermaphrodite
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
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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Will grow in almost any garden situation, except waterlogged ground, including dry shade. Individual stems are short lived
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Wildlife gardens
- 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
Get involved
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