Ruscus aculeatus hermaphrodite

RHS Plant Profile
butcher's broom hermaphrodite
Shrubs

A small evergreen shrub which unlike the species, produces both male and female flowers on the same plant, so only one is needed to produce its glossy, round, red berries. These follow the small, pale green flowers growing directly from evergreen, leaf-like cladophylls - flattened stems which are dark green and leathery, with a sharp spine at the tip

Position

Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
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. Individual stems are short lived

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Ground cover

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