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Ruscus aculeatus (Butcher's broom)
1 hour care
per year
per year
1m
Max height
Max height
1m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Ruscus aculeatus
Other names
Butcher's broom, Shepherd's myrtle, Wild myrtle, Pettigree, Pettigrue, Prickly box, Knee holm, Kneeholy, Knee hull, Box holly, Jew's myrtle, Knee holly
Genus
Ruscus Ruscus
Species
R. aculeatus - R. aculeatus is a small bushy sub-shrub with glossy lance-shaped foliage, pale-green flowers in spring, followed by glossy red berries (on female plants) in summer and autumn.
Ruscus aculeatus is: Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Toxicity
All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
Flower
Pale-green in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
General care
Pruning
Cut out dead stems to the base in spring.
Propagation methods
Semi-hardwood cuttings
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Where to grow
Ruscus aculeatus (Butcher's broom) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 1m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Foliage only, Ground Cover, Instant
Cultivation
Plant in any soil and aspect (except for boggy, waterlogged soils).
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Ruscus aculeatus
Other names
Butcher's broom, Shepherd's myrtle, Wild myrtle, Pettigree, Pettigrue, Prickly box, Knee holm, Kneeholy, Knee hull, Box holly, Jew's myrtle, Knee holly
Genus
Ruscus Ruscus
Species
R. aculeatus - R. aculeatus is a small bushy sub-shrub with glossy lance-shaped foliage, pale-green flowers in spring, followed by glossy red berries (on female plants) in summer and autumn.
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Toxicity
All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
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Colour
Flower
Pale-green in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
General care
Pruning
Cut out dead stems to the base in spring.
Propagation methods
Semi-hardwood cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Ruscus aculeatus (Butcher's broom) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 1m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Beds and borders, Foliage only, Ground Cover, Instant
Cultivation
Plant in any soil and aspect (except for boggy, waterlogged soils).
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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Ruscus aculeatus
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