Ruscus hypophyllum
thick-leaved butcher's broom
A compact, evergreen shrub to 60cm tall and wide forming spreading clumps of erect, unbranched stems with dark green, pointed, leaf-like modifed shoots known as cladodes. Tiny flowers borne on the upper or lower surfaces of the cladodes in spring may be followed by small, red berries
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Cream | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Red | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Ruscus are rhizomatous evergreen subshrubs with flattened, leaf-like cladophylls bearing small pale green flowers, followed on female or hermaphrodite plants by glossy red berries
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Will grow in almost any garden situation, except waterlogged ground, including dry shade. Requires a sheltered position to survive outside in winter or provide protection
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Ground cover
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Cut out dead stems to the base in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility
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