Ruscus streptophyllus
An evergreen low-growing shrub to around 60cm high with erect to arching, unbranched stems and flattened, modified shoots called cladodes with a leaf-like appearance reaching up to 18cm long, broadly elliptic to lanceolate in shape and twisted at the base. Tiny white to deep purple flowers are borne on the cladodes and may be followed by red, berry-like fruits
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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 | White Purple | 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
- Plant range
- Madeira
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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