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Rue is a perennial herbaceous shrub commonly grown for its aromatic leaves and small yellow flowers. Rue is known for its strong fragrance and bright yellow flowers. The plant typically grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. The plant produces small yellow flowers in clusters that mature into small, capsule-like fruits. Rue has a strong, distinctive aroma that is often described as either unpleasant or medicinal.
Rue, scientifically known as Ruta, has grey-green, feathery, deeply divided leaves that give off a musky scent when crushed. The plant is known for its historical association with protection and warding off evil spirits. In the past. It was used in the Middle Ages to ward off the plague and some cultures still believe it has protective properties. In terms of medicinal uses, Rue has been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments such as headaches, menstrual irregularities, digestive problems and joint pain. However, its use in herbal medicine is not as common today due to its potentially toxic properties when consumed in high doses. It is important to note that Rue can be toxic if ingested in large quantities and can cause skin irritation in some people.
The rue plant is native to southern Europe. It is also grown in other parts of the world for ornamental and medicinal purposes.
Learn about Rue – Ruta
- Plant Type: Evergreen Perennial and Shrub
- Growing Zones and Range: Zones 4 to 9
- Hardiness: Plant may die in cold weather
- Height and Width: 2 to 3 feet tall and wide
- Leaves: Blue-green leaves are pungent, divided into several sections and have fern-shaped leaves
- Flowers: Small yellow-green leaves grow in flat clusters
- Bloom time: Mid summer
- Uses: Herb garden, perennial border
- Common name: Rue
- Botanical name: Road
- Family name: Rutaceae family
- Origin: Southern Europe
Where to grow Rue – Ruta
- Bay trees prefer bright or partial sun, so make sure to plant them where they get at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Plant Rue in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Amend heavy clay soil with organic matter to improve drainage.
- Bay laurel prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
When to Plant Rue – Ruta
- If starting rue from seed, sow directly into the garden in late spring or early summer. Alternatively, you can start the seeds indoors in late winter and transplant them outdoors when the weather warms up.
Planting and spacing Rue – Ruta
- Plant plants about 2 to 3 feet apart.
- Sow seeds directly into the garden in late spring or early summer.
How to water and fertilize Rue – Ruta plants
- Water the rue regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering as the rue is sensitive to excess moisture.
- Be careful not to over water as bay trees are susceptible to root rot.
- Rue is not a heavy feeder, so avoid over-fertilizing. A balanced fertilizer can be applied in early spring to promote healthy growth. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to tall plants.
Rue – Which Road?
- Apply mulch around the base of the tree. Mulching can help retain moisture in the soil, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weeds from growing around the tree.
- Prune the rue to promote bushy growth and improve air circulation. Prune in early spring to promote new growth.
- The Rue tree can become lanky if not pruned regularly. Prune in spring to encourage bushier growth and remove any dead or damaged branches.
- Prune rue after flowering to encourage bushy growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches as needed.
- Divide plants every few years: To avoid overcrowding and promote healthy growth, divide established borage plants every 3 to 4 years in early spring or fall.
Rue – Pests and diseases of Ruta plants
- Rue plants can be susceptible to aphids, caterpillars and mites. Keep an eye out for any signs of pest infestation and treat them promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
How to Harvest Rue – Ruta
- Ruta leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season and used fresh or dried for culinary or medicinal purposes.
Rue – Ruta Plant Breeding
- Ruta can be propagated by seed, cuttings or division.
- If you are starting from seed, sow directly in the ground in spring or start indoors early in the season. If using cuttings, take cuttings from a healthy plant and plant them in a well-draining potting mix.
- If propagating by cuttings, take 4- to 6-inch long cuttings from healthy bay trees in spring or summer and plant them in well-drained soil.
Rue – Ruta Varieties to Grow
- Ruta graveolens: Subshrub 2 to 3 feet tall; pale blue-green, white-tipped leaves are divided into sections and fern-like; small greenish-yellow flowers bloom in flat clusters in midsummer. The cultivar ‘Jackman’s Blue’ is compact with greener foliage.
