Danae racemosa

RHS Plant Profile
Alexandrian laurel

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Synonyms

Ruscus racemosus

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Shrubs
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An elegant evergreen shrub to 1.2m tall and wide, with glossy green foliage and insignificant flowers at the stem-tips, followed by red berries

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Danae is a shade-loving evergreen shrub with rich green, phylloclades (leaf-like stems) and tiny greenish flowers followed by glossy red berries
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
SW Asia to Iran

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or shade, sheltered from cold winds

Propagation

Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn. Divide from autumn to early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 10. Cut old shoots back to ground level in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free