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....
  • Evergreen
    What appear to be leaves are flattened stems (cladophylls), spine-tipped to 2.5cm (1in) long
  • Height
    75cm (30in)
  • Spread
    1m (39in))
  • Bulb/Corm or rhizomatous perennial
  • Dwarf shrub
    Typically 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.
  • Hardy - cold winter
    Hardy 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)
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade

RUSCUS aculeatus

 

 

  • Additional Features
    Berries
    These plants have berries.
    Good to know
    British native. Male and female/hermaphrodite required for berries. Was used for scrubbing butchers' blocks, cleaning chimneys and repelling rats and mice.
    Medicinal properties
    Used in the treatment of varicose veins.
    Pests & Diseases
    None
    Place of origin
    Europe, northern Africa, northern Turkey, Azores
    Resistant to honey fungus
    These plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
  • Hardiness
    Fully hardy
  • Seasonal Interest
    Autumn
    Winter
  • Soil Conditions
    Fertile moist well-drained soil
    Moderately fertile
  • Toxic - Category C
    Harmful if eaten
  • Wildlife
    Rabbit Resistant
Jan
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Dec
Ruscus - Growing Guide
75cm (30in)
bulb/corm - guide for size not form Watering Can
  1m (39in))
 

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