Plant Min Zone: 6a
Plant Max Zone: 10a
Sunlight: Part Sun, Shade, Deep Shade
Water / Rainfall: Low, Average, High
Soil Quality: Average, Rich
Bloom Season: Insignificant
Flower Color: Insignificant
Berry / Fruit Color: Red
Spring Foliage Color: Dark Green
Summer Foliage Color: Dark Green
Fall Foliage Color: Dark Green
Evergreen Foliage: Yes
Winter Interest: Yes
Scented Flowers: No
Drought Tolerance: High
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Low
Humidity Tolerance: High
Wind Tolerance: Medium
Poor Soil Tolerance: Clay Soils, Rocky Soils, Sandy Soils, Acidic Soil (low PH), Alkaline Soils (high PH)
Height: 1' - 2'
Width: 1' - 2'
Growth Rate: Extremely Slow
Service Life: Long: 5-10 years
Maintenance Need: Almost Zero Maintenance
Spreading Potential: Extremely Low
Yearly Trimming Tips: Trim Evergreen Perennial Only if Winter-Kill Occurs.
Plant Grouping Size: Specimen Planting of 1-3, Small Grouping of 3-5
Best Side of House: South Exposure, East Exposure
Extreme Planting Locations: Root-Bound Soils Under Tree, Survives Severe Drought
Ornamental Features: Exceptional / Colorful Foliage
Special Landscape Uses: None
Possible Pest Problems: None
Plant Limitations: May get Occasional Winter-kill, Needs Thick Winter Mulch, Has Thorns, Slow to Reach Mature Size, May be Poisonous
Wheelers Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus 'Wheelers') is the ultimate dry-shade plant for eastern Kansas landscapes. They are native to dry shaded woodland and hedgerows in England and along coastal cliffs. Butcher's Broom has everything a shade gardener might ask for; dependable dark green foliage, colorful red long-lasting fruits, evergreen during winter, and ease of care with very low maintenance. "Leaves" are actually "cladodes" (flattened, leaf-like stem tissue that photosynthesises) Evergreen foliage is bristly, shrub-like, and hardy to about -10°F. If it gets colder than that, ruscus will be deciduous and will slowly recover in summer. The red berries which sit squarely on the middle of the "leaves" on established plants persisting for a few months through the fall! Ruscus tolerate deep shade but some filtered or morning sun is best for optimal growth in our colder climate. With prickly foliage, these plants resist deer and rabbit browsing. Ruscus tolerates most soils except for poorly drained ones. Growth is quite slow with young plants but speeds up with establishment and rich soils with regular water. It is best to start with large plants as establishment and full winter-hardiness will occur much faster. A thick layer of mulch greatly helps with cold hardiness. Established plants have thrived in our Lawrence Kansas zone 6a display garden for over 10 years enduring temperatures as low as -18°F. Ruscus aculeatus 'Wheeler's' is self-fertile, not needing a male plant for pollination.