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RUSCUS aculeatus
Commonly known as Box holly, Butcher's broom, Kneeholly
Thick clump-forming small shrub with red berries. Mixed sex plants only available.
Further Reading....
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EvergreenWhat appear to be leaves are flattened stems (cladophylls), spine-tipped to 2.5cm (1in) long
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Height75cm (30in)
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Spread1m (39in))
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Bulb/Corm or rhizomatous perennial
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Dwarf shrubTypically only grows to a maximum of one or two feet in height but there will be some exceptions.Clump-forming, rhizomatous subshrub with upright, branched shoots.
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Hardy - cold winterHardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F)
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Full shade
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Full sun
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Partial shade
RUSCUS aculeatus
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Additional FeaturesBerriesThese plants have berries.Good to knowBritish native. Male and female/hermaphrodite required for berries. Was used for scrubbing butchers' blocks, cleaning chimneys and repelling rats and mice.Medicinal propertiesUsed in the treatment of varicose veins.Pests & DiseasesNonePlace of originEurope, northern Africa, northern Turkey, AzoresResistant to honey fungusThese plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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HardinessFully hardy
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Seasonal InterestAutumnWinter
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Soil ConditionsFertile moist well-drained soilModerately fertile
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Toxic - Category CHarmful if eaten
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WildlifeRabbit Resistant
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Ruscus - Growing Guide
75cm (30in)
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1m (39in)) |
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50