Ruscus aculeatus
Box holly, Jew's myrtle, Kneeholy
- Height × spread
- 0.8m × 1m
- Position
- All conditions
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A sturdy shrub that grows quite happily in dense shade. It has vertical bright green stems and leaves which are actually flattened stems called phyllodes. They are lance-shaped with pointed tips. The plant does have a slightly odd appearance looking a bit like well-engineered plastic plants. There are male and female plants and if both are present there should be plentiful bright red berries on the females. When grown in ideal conditions with plenty of water, the shrub thrives. The common name butchers broom derives from the fact that it was once used by butchers to clean the wood blocks on which meat was prepared.
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Brown, Green
- Fruit colour
- Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.8m
- Spread
- 1m
- Season of interest
- Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden, Mediterranean garden
- Sun or shade
- All conditions
- Soil type
- All types
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Dry and shady soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural, Rabbit resistant, Bird attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early · Planting
Prune to the ground
Cut foliage to the ground before new growth starts.
Where stems are grown for their ornamental value, old stems should be removed either before new growth starts in spring, or during winter when they begin to look ragged or untidy.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.
Planting & general
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.