butcher's broom
Ruscus aculeatus
USDA zones7 to 9
SunHandles partial sun or full shade
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Gray/silver, green, white
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Notes
Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is a shrub for hedges and shade gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 7, or down to 0°F (-18°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and dry to average, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It grows slowly into an erect, evergreen clump that reaches 24 to 36 inches tall and wide. White flowers open from early to late spring. The plant tolerates drought and salt.
Pairs well with Golden Tiara hosta, Oregon grape, Sedge, and Mondo grass.
Native range
Northern Africa, western Asia, and Europe.