Ruscus

( RUSS - kuss )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of evergreen shrubs is also called Butcher's Broom, and includes species which do best in filtered sun and need little to moderate irrigation to perform well. Branches are flattened and leaflike and bear small white flowers; they make interesting additions to cut flower arrangements. If male and female flowers are grown close to each other, flowers will be followed by small bright red or yellow fruits. Ruscus plants are native to Europe, northwestern Africa, and southwestern Asia and the Caucasus. These plants are valuable as groundcovers under trees, and will spread quickly via underground rhizomes. Use these shrubs in dry, shady beds as groundcover or accents, in woodland or native gardens for their wildlife value, or in containers on patios or walkways. Take care when planting Ruscus in the landscape, as plant parts contain toxic compounds that can pose significant health risks to humans and pets if ingested.

Ruscus Species and Varietals

The genus Ruscus includes 6 species of flowering plants, and is a member of the plant family Asparagaceae. The plants in this genus are related to those in Asparagus, Dracaena (Snake Plant, Dumb Cane), Convallaria (Lily-of-the-Valley) and Polygonatum (Solomon's Seal). Butcher's Broom grows best in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 or Sunset growing zones 4-24 and H1. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Ruscus aculeatus (Butcher's Broom, Knee Holly, Box Holly, Prickly Box, Shepherd's Myrtle)
This species is native to Eurasia and North Africa. It produces plants that reach up to between 1 and 4 feet tall at maturity. Branches are tipped with spines and foliage is leathery and dark green. Cultivars include 'Christmas Berry' (dwarf with heavy winter berries) and 'John Redmond' (compact with reliable dense displays of red berries), 'Wheeler's Variety' (with heavy fruiting and heat, shade, and drought resilience), 'Andre the Giant' (to 5 feet tall and 9 feet wide; needs pollinator to set fruit), 'Lanceolatus' (female with lance-shaped leaves) and 'Elizabeth Lawrence' (with glossy red fruit, to 2 feet tall and wide). This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7-9

Ruscus hypoglossum (Spineless Butcher's Broom, Mouse Thorn, Horse Tongue Lily)
This species, native to Italy, Czechoslovakia, and northern areas of Türkiye. It reaches 1.5 feet tall and has unbranched stems. Branches are glossy green and do not have spines. This species is wonderful as a small-scale groundcover, and needs a nearby male for pollination and fruit production. This species is suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 8-9.

Caring for ruscus

Take care when planting these shrubs in the landscape, as they contain toxic compounds that can pose significant health risks to humans and pets if plant parts are ingested. Ruscus shrubs are considered low-maintenance plants, and should be situated in an area that gets partial to full shade. These shrubs can grow in dappled sunlight, but do best when not exposed to direct, intense sunlight for extended periods of time. In desert regions, these plants are susceptible to chlorosis. Soil should be well-draining and loamy to sandy. They prefer a soil pH of between 3.0 and 5.0, and if you have clay or heavy soil, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic material before installing. Water consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. During the warmer months of the year, these shrubs may need to be watered more frequently.

Apply a layer of organic mulch to the area around the shrub to increase soil moisture retention and discourage weeds. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These easy-care plants do not need much in the way of pruning; it can happen at any time of the year, and is only needed to gently shape. These shrubs can survive for 5 to 10 years or more in the landscape before needing to be replaced.

Harvesting Ruscus
Ruscus plants are used are cut flower arrangements as greenery and filler. They produce strong stems and unique glossy leaves, and berries are present in fall and winter. The best time to harvest these plants for their greenery is when fronds have fully expanded. In the morning after dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in, use sharp, clean pruners or garden scissors to cut stems at their base. Remove the leaves that will sit below the water line and then drop them into a bucket of cool water. These stems have a vase life of between 10 and 28 days, making them among the most durable decorative greens used in floral design.

Propagation

Ruscus shrubs can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your shrub, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Ruscus by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Propagating Ruscus by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 6 to 12 months (or longer) from sowing.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Ruscus by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost, and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring or fall after the plant has entered dormancy and been cut to the ground, but before it has begun its new spring growth. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Dawn your protective gear and gather your materials. Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the tuber roots. Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick rhizome section.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divided rhizomes about an inch under the soil surface and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout.