Ruscus

The genus Ruscus consists of four evergreen semi-shrubby rhizomatous plants that grow up to 80 cm in height. All of them, except for the hypophyllum needle, or Ruscus hypophyllum, are unpretentious, hardy plants. Organs that are similar to leaves, but do not perform the functions of such (including the production of chlorophyll), are actually flat branches (cladodia). The real leaves are transformed into scales. These are dioecious plants: completely nondescript flowers, both male and female, appear on different specimens. But the ones that are formed later the fruits are very decorative: magnificent berries are formed on female plants in autumn. Spiky needle, or Pontic (R. aculeatus), is a fairly common plant in nature. Many green erect branching stems are covered with small oval-shaped cladodia with prickly ends (in Italy these plants are called "spiny mice"). At the end of winter, greenish flowers form on the surface of the cladodia. The fruits are rounded red berries. Berries of the variety 'Sparklers' are larger than those of the botanical species. The hypoglossum needle (R. hypoglossum) is a species with oblong or oblong-lanceolate cladodes without spines. In spring, greenish-yellow flowers bloom. Then small red berries appear. This type is especially suitable for shady places. Hypophyllum (R. hypophyllum) is a species that widely uses cut branches with wide non-prickly cladodia. Racemose needlewort (R. racemosus) is a species with characteristic short curved stems with small glossy green cladodia. The berries are orange-red. You can use cut branches for bouquets. When crossing the hypoglossum needle and hypophyllum needle, a hybrid of the microglossum needle (Ruscus x microglossum) appeared. This is a root-spreading plant with erect or ascending stems. The shape of the cladodia varies from elliptical to obovate, the tip is thin and their size is smaller than that of the hypoglossum needle.

The genus Ruscus consists of four evergreen semi-shrubby rhizomatous plants that grow up to 80 cm in height. All of them, except for the hypophyllum needle, or Ruscus hypophyllum, are unpretentious, hardy plants. Organs that are similar to leaves, but do not perform the functions of such (including the production of chlorophyll), are actually flat branches (cladodia). The real leaves are transformed into scales. These are dioecious plants: completely nondescript flowers, both male and female, appear on different specimens. But the ones that are formed later the fruits are very decorative: magnificent berries are formed on female plants in autumn.

Spiky needle, or Pontic (R. aculeatus), is a fairly common plant in nature. Many green erect branching stems are covered with small oval-shaped cladodia with prickly ends (in Italy these plants are called "spiny mice"). At the end of winter, greenish flowers form on the surface of the cladodia. The fruits are rounded red berries. Berries of the variety 'Sparklers' are larger than those of the botanical species.

The hypoglossum needle (R. hypoglossum) is a species with oblong or oblong-lanceolate cladodes without spines. In spring, greenish-yellow flowers bloom. Then small red berries appear. This type is especially suitable for shady places.

Hypophyllum (R. hypophyllum) is a species that widely uses cut branches with wide non-prickly cladodia.

Racemose needlewort (R. racemosus) is a species with characteristic short curved stems with small glossy green cladodia. The berries are orange-red. You can use cut branches for bouquets. When crossing the hypoglossum needle and hypophyllum needle, a hybrid of the microglossum needle (Ruscus x microglossum) appeared. This is a root-spreading plant with erect or ascending stems. The shape of the cladodia varies from elliptical to obovate, the tip is thin and their size is smaller than that of the hypoglossum needle.

Cultivation

Plants of the genus Ruscus are grown in the open ground as garden shrubs. Their cut branches are often used both for making large green bouquets, and for decorating compositions of cut flowers. Plant on a permanent planting site in early spring (March-April). They have no special requirements for the soil: even loamy, clay and calcareous lands are suitable for them. Ruscus likes too wet soil. When planting, it is recommended to apply organic fertilizers: 5-7 kg/m2. In spring, once every 20-30 days, a complex fertilizer is diluted in water for irrigation in the amount of 10 g per bucket.

Plants of the genus Ruscus are grown in the open ground as garden shrubs. Their cut branches are often used both for making large green bouquets, and for decorating compositions of cut flowers. Plant on a permanent planting site in early spring (March-April). They have no special requirements for the soil: even loamy, clay and calcareous lands are suitable for them. Ruscus likes too wet soil. When planting, it is recommended to apply organic fertilizers: 5-7 kg/m2. In spring, once every 20-30 days, a complex fertilizer is diluted in water for irrigation in the amount of 10 g per bucket.

Location

These plants can grow both in the open sun, and in a shady corner and even in the undergrowth, where not many species are able to survive.

Temperature

The needle is resistant to both high and very low temperatures (up to -20 °C). In this respect, the exception is the hypophyllum needle, a low-resistant plant.

Watering

Since these plants prefer fairly dry soil, watering should be limited. Regular watering is only necessary for young plants.

Reproduction

The easiest way is to divide the bush, which is produced in March, immediately planting the resulting parts in the ground. In addition, you can sow seeds in suitable soil or even immediately in the open ground in September and October. Shoots appear rather slowly (up to 1.5 years), the grown shoots are thinned out. The operation is performed several times, and after 2-3 years, the seedlings can be planted on a permanent planting site.

Diseases

In dense, heavy earth, the root system is affected by various fungi. The very first symptom, as a rule, is the appearance of yellowness in the color of the foliage. To prevent this from happening, use suitable soil and occasionally treat with fungicides. In a too humid environment, fungi also affect the leaves, yellowish, then dark spots appear. They are treated with fungicides. Without a doubt, the most dangerous of insects is the mower: its larvae gnaw on roots, imago-shoots and leaves, in this case insecticides are used.

Acquisition

Plants of the Ruscus genus are quite easy to find in horticultural centers and specialized nurseries. In order for berries to appear on female plants, it is also necessary to purchase male specimens. Varieties with small leaves are more preferable. They are usually more decorative. Make sure that the leaves are not picked off by pests.