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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.
Plant Details
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Floweringlocal_floristJanlocal_floristFeblocal_floristMarlocal_floristAprlocal_floristMaylocal_floristJunlocal_floristJullocal_floristAuglocal_floristSeplocal_floristOctlocal_floristNovlocal_floristDec
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BerriesThese plants have berries.
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Good to knowBritish native. Male and female/hermaphrodite required for berries. Was used for scrubbing butchers' blocks, cleaning chimneys and repelling rats and mice.
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Medicinal propertiesUsed in the treatment of varicose veins.
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Pests & DiseasesNone
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Place of originEurope, northern Africa, northern Turkey, Azores
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Resistant to honey fungusThese plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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EvergreenWhat appear to be leaves are flattened stems (cladophylls), spine-tipped to 2.5cm (1in) long
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Fully hardy
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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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Autumn Seasonal Interest
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Winter Seasonal Interest
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harmful if eaten
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Rabbit Resistant
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Mature Size75cm (30in)
1m (39in))
Planting Tips and Care Advice
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Soil Conditions
Fertile moist well-drained soilModerately fertile
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Sun Requirements
Full shadeFull sunPartial shade
Ruscus - Growing Guide