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AGM plants have been through a rigorous trial and assessment programme. They are:
This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and the many other types of pollinating insects.
It is included in an evolving list of plants carefully researched and chosen by RHS experts. Divided into 3 groups these lists, linked below, are maintained by a team of RHS staff and are reviewed annually.
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Other common names butcher's broom box holly
knee holly knee holm kneeholy knee hull pettigree pettigrue prickly box shepherd's myrtle wild myrtle
Family Asparagaceae
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
Details R. aculeatus is a bushy sub-shrub to 75cm, with glossy lance-shaped cladophylls 2.5cm in length, flowering in spring, with glossy red berries on female plants in summer and autumn
Plant range Europe to Mediterr.
Foliage Evergreen
Habit Bushy
Toxicity Acute ingestion may cause mild stomach upset. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling
Hardiness
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H5
Full Shade
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Aspect South-facing or North-facing or West-facing or East-facing
Exposure Exposed or Sheltered
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
MoistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
SoilChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Ultimate height 0.5-1 metres
Ultimate spread 0.5-1 metres
Time to ultimate height 10-20 years
Cultivation Dried stems may be used in floral arrangements. Individual shoots are short-lived. Grow in any but waterlogged soils
Propagation Propagate by seed or division
Suggested planting locations and garden types Cut Flowers Low Maintenance Drought Resistant Wildlife Gardens Wildflower meadow
Pruning Cut out dead stems to the base in spring
Pests Generally pest free
Diseases Generally disease free
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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.