Ruscus

Family. Liliaceae.

Origin. Southern Europe.

Description. Ruscus are evergreen perennial shrubs up to 1 m high with branched stems, bearing numerous phyllocladies - flattened modified shoots up to 18 cm long, spear-shaped or elliptical, glossy, dark green. The real ones are very small, scale-like. The flowers are small, star-shaped, white or light green, solitary or in small inflorescences of 2 - 3, sometimes with a dark purple center.

A distinctive feature of this species is that the buds are located right in the middle of the phyllocladium. After flowering, the bushes form red round or oblong berries up to 1 cm in diameter. Plants of this species are both monoecious and dioecious - that is, they are divided into male and female individuals.

Height. Up to 1 m.

Caring at home

Reproduction - growing from seeds 

Seeds sown in early spring. Seeds germinate better if they are first subjected to cold stratification. The germination period can take up to 1 year. By dividing large adult plants when transplanting.

Transplanting

As needed, adult specimens are replanted in the spring every 2-3 years, spacious pots are preferable. It is advisable to choose a wide container for growing.

How to care 

A very hardy species. When dormant, it can withstand temperatures down to -25°C. Remove dead stems by cutting them right at the base in spring. The bush appreciates being outdoors in spring and summer. Can be grown in partial shade. Remove old, dried stems.

Containment temperature

In spring, summer and early autumn - normal room temperature; during the dormant period in winter, place the plant in a cool room with a temperature of about 13 ° C.

Lighting

Prefers partial shade, but can grow in full shade.

Soil

Suitable for a wide range of soils, but prefers well-drained soils, and can grow in nutrient-poor substrates with a very alkaline pH.

Fertilizer

During the growing season, 2 times a month with standard liquid fertilizers.

Flowering time

April May.

Spraying

It does not make any special demands on air humidity and can easily withstand the dryness of heated rooms.

Watering

Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. 

Purpose

Dried stems can be used in flower arrangements.

Pests and diseases

Pests that can attack plants are mealybugs, spider mites, thrips, and scale insects.

Varieties:

Ruscus colchicus

Slow-growing evergreen, compact shrub up to 60 cm high. The spreading crown forms thin, flexible plant stems. Phyllocladia - leaves are dark green, glossy, entire, lanceolate, up to 13 cm long. Small greenish flowers with long, narrow petals are formed right in the center of the phyllocladium. After flowering, the plants produce round, reddish berries.

Ruscus hypoglossum

Compact evergreen shrubs up to 50 cm high. Stems are green, abundantly branched. Phyllocladia are glossy, oblong-lanceolate, entire, green. Flowers with thin, narrow, light green petals are formed in the center of the phyllocladium. The berries are round, orange, up to 1.5 cm in diameter.