Care of the shrub Ruscus aculeatus or Butcher's-broom |
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The genus Ruscus, family Asparagaceae, includes 6 species of shrubs native to Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Macaronesia. Some species are: Ruscus aculeatus, Ruscus hypoglossum, Ruscus colchicus. Common names: Butcher's-broom, Knee Holly. This species is native to the Mediterranean region and Asia. They are evergreen shrubs with green stems that reach 90 cm (35.43") in height. The leaves are actually leathery cladodes (stem modifications) with pointed tips. The flowers are small and light yellow in color but are not decorative. The decorative fruits (toxic by ingestion) are red berries that appear in the axils of the leaves in late summer or early autumn. They are used to form bushy groups, to cover areas of the garden that are difficult to access, in undergrowth under shrubs and trees and in pots and planters. Ruscus aculeatus grows in full sun, semi-shade and shade exposures. They resist the frosts and the heat of the Mediterranean summer. They grow in any type of soil but prefer it to contain organic matter such as humus or forest soil. Water regularly but waiting until the substrate is almost dry; reduce watering in winter and increase it slightly in summer. They do not need fertilizers. Prune the stems intensively when the fruits fall from the plant. They are very resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated in summer by cuttings and by division in late winter. |
Images of the shrub Ruscus aculeatus or Butcher's-broom |
 Ruscus aculeatus  Ruscus aculeatus |