Ruscus: The Greenery That Outlasts Any Bouquet

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Ruscus is the long stems of glossy, pointed “leaves” that florists add to bouquets, garlands and wedding decor. It is prized for its longevity: the flowers in a bouquet will have faded while the ruscus is still green. Here is what the plant is, which types exist, what it pairs best with and how to make it last.

Why ruscus “leaves” are not leaves

Ruscus, or butcher’s broom (Ruscus), is an evergreen subshrub of the asparagus family. Its most curious feature is that the flat “leaves” are cladodes — modified shoots. The true leaves are tiny and barely visible, while small flowers and later red berries appear right in the middle of the cladode. This structure makes the stems stiff, dense and very slow to lose moisture.

Italian ruscus and other types

• Italian ruscus — the florists’ name for Alexandrian laurel (Danae racemosa), a close relative of butcher’s broom. It has long, flexible arching stems with small light-green “leaves” and is a favourite for garlands and wedding arches.
• Ruscus hypoglossum — wider, softer cladodes on medium-length stems, handy for bouquets.
• Butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus) — small spiny cladodes, more common in dried arrangements.

Wild ruscus species are rare and protected in Ukraine, so ruscus for floristry is grown on plantations.

View full-size photoThe photo shows typical ruscus cladodes and red berries.

What to pair ruscus with

Ruscus is a versatile base that holds the shape of a bouquet and sets off the flowers:

• with red roses — a classic contrast of dark green and rich colour;
• with white roses, lisianthus and gypsophila — for weddings and soft arrangements;
• with eucalyptus and leucadendron — for full, modern bouquets.

Italian ruscus drapes beautifully, so it is often used in cascading bridal bouquets.

How long ruscus lasts in a vase

Ruscus is one of the longest-lasting cut plants: it stays fresh for 2–3 weeks or more, outliving several bouquets. Just recut the stems and change the water every few days. It copes with transport and short spells out of water, which is why it is used in event decor where flowers sit without water for hours.

How to dry and paint ruscus

Ruscus dries well and keeps its shape. The easiest way is to stand the stems in an empty vase in a dry, shaded place: within 1–2 weeks they dry to an olive green. Dried ruscus can be spray-painted gold, silver or white for Christmas and autumn decor.

See other greenery in bouquet greenery and in our florist’s glossary.

FAQ

Is ruscus the same as butcher’s broom?

Yes, butcher’s broom is the common name for Ruscus. “Italian ruscus” is a related plant, Danae racemosa.

View full-size photoRuscus is used in fresh, dried, and wedding arrangements.

How long does ruscus last in a vase?

Usually 2–3 weeks or more — it outlasts most flowers in a bouquet.

Can I grow ruscus at home?

Yes, but it grows very slowly and prefers a cool winter. For bouquets, buying cut stems is easier.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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