rue
Ruta graveolens
- Position: full sun
- Soil: well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Hardiness: fully hardy (but short-lived)
Used in ancient times as an important culinary and medicinal herb, Ruta graveolens is most commonly grown these days as a bushy, evergreen, ornamental shrubby perennial, popular in Mediterranean themed gardens. Rue has the benefit of aromatic, broad, blue-grey leaves and clusters of 4-petalled yellow flowers 2cm (1”) across, in summer and acts as a natural insect repellent, protecting neighbouring plants from harmful pests. Once established, the plant is drought resistant and is a good candidate for a gravel or rock garden. Although it is short-lived (around 5 years), it will self-seed to replace itself. - Growing instructions: Rue needs light to germinate so surface-sow your seeds before setting them in a warm, sunny area or a little bottom heat of 68°F (20°C). Transplant and grow on, planting out when all risk of frost has passed. Wearing gloves, old woodier stems should be cut back in spring to maintain its compact and neat growth habit. Rue thrives in poor soils so there is no need for supplementary fertiliser.
Rue’s essential oils can cause photodermatitis, an allergic reaction caused by interactions with your skin which is then activated by sunlight. It’s best to wear protective clothing when working with Rue and to harvest it on cloudy days or at sunset when the sun’s rays aren’t as strong. - Sow: March to May
- Humans/Pets: TOXIC to skin with sunlight