Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Ruscus hypoglossum or Spineless Butcher's-broom

The genus Ruscus, family Asparagaceae, includes 6 species of shrubs native to Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Macaronesia. Some species are: Ruscus hypoglossum, Ruscus aculeatus, Ruscus colchicus.

Common names: Spineless Butcher's-broom, Mouse thorn or Horse tongue lily. This species is native to Central Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.

They are evergreen shrubs with flexible stems that reach 45 cm (17.7") in height. The leaves are cladodes (stem modifications) not spiny up to 10 cm (3.93") in length. The flowers are yellow but they are not decorative. The red fruits (toxic by ingestion) of up to 2 cm (0.78") in diameter are very decorative.

They are used to cover shady areas of the garden, in dark undergrowths and in pots. They are ideal for coastal gardens and combine very well with ferns of the Polypodium genus.

Ruscus hypoglossum needs shade exposure. They resist frost down to -9 ºC (15.8 ºF).

They grow in any type of soil but prefer it to contain organic matter. Planting is done in early spring at the rate of 3 plants per square meter.

Water regularly, waiting for the substrate to be almost dry; reduce watering in winter and increase it slightly in summer.

They do not need fertilizers.

They accept a light pruning in autumn to maintain a compact appearance.

They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases.

They propagate by division in late winter.

Images of the shrub Ruscus hypoglossum or Spineless Butcher's-broom