Butcher’s Broom is a small, evergreen shrub that is native to southern Europe and northwest Africa. Butcher’s Broom is also known as Ruscus aculeatus. The plant gets its name from its use in the past as a broom for sweeping up meat scraps and blood from butcher’s blocks. The Butcher’s Broom has small, dark green leaves and produces small, white flowers in the spring. The plant is also known for its bright red berries, which are poisonous to humans but are a favorite food of birds.
How to care:
The Butcher’s Broom is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much care. It is drought-tolerant and can grow in most soils, although it prefers well-drained, sandy soil. The plant can be pruned to control its size and shape, and it is also deer-resistant.
Flowering seasons:
The Ruscus aculeatus flowers in the spring, typically from March to May.
Water requirement:
The Ruscus aculeatus is drought-tolerant and does not require much water. It should be watered only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Pruning:
The Ruscus aculeatus can be pruned to control its size and shape. It is best to prune in the late winter or early spring, before the plant begins to produce new growth.
Type of Soil:
The Ruscus aculeatus prefers well-drained, sandy soil but can grow in most soils.
Pest and Disease:
The Ruscus aculeatus is resistant to most pests and diseases.
Landscape uses:
The Butcher’s Broom is an ideal plant for use in low-maintenance landscaping. It can be used as an edging plant, in rock gardens, or as a groundcover.