Ruscus
BUTCHER’S BROOM
Evergreen, Shrubs, Decorative fruit or berries
Flattened, leaflike branchesdo the work of leaves for theseOld World natives, bearing tinygreenish white flowers in thecenters of their upper surfaces.They are interesting in driedarrangements. If both male andfemale plants are present, orif you have a plant with maleand female flowers, bright red(sometimes yellow), marble-sizefruit follows flowers. Tolerantof dry shade, a wide variety ofsoils, and competition fromtree roots, these are valuablegroundcovers under trees. Theyspread widely by rhizomes.Plants are subject to chlorosisin the desert.
Native fromthe Mediterranean and Blackseas to the British Isles andthe Azores. To 1–4 ft. tall, withbranched stems. Spine-tipped“leaves” are 1–3 in. long, athird as wide, leathery, dull darkgreen.
Argyranthemum frutescens
This Canary Island native is grown as a short-lived perennial in Zones 14–24 and H1, as asummer annual...
Rhynchelytrum nerviglume
From Africa. Grows in clumps 1 ft. tall and slightly wider; 2-ft. flower spikes open deep pink to purp...
Abelia x grandiflora 'Mardi Gras'
Grows 2–3 ft.high and 4–5 ft. wide, withleaves edged and splashed with pink and creamy white. Pale pin...
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