Herb, Rue
75 in stock
Quick Overview
HERB, Rue –
Ruta graveolens
FULL SUN Native to southern Europe and northern Africa, Rue has been cultivated for thousands of years. The 3 ft. plant was brought to the US in the 1700s by colonists. The plant is covered with ‘glands’ that contain a volatile oil which has been known to irritate the skin. It is largely used today as an ornamental because of its beautiful, blue-green foliage. Start indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant outside when the danger of frost has passed. Plant 18 in apart in rows 18 in. apart.
| Type | Spacing | Planting Depth | Days to Germination | Maturity |
| Perennial | 18 in. | 1/2 in. | 14-18 | 90 |
Herb, Rue
Rue is a beautiful, rarely used herb which should find its way into American gardens more often. Historically, the plant has its own little claim to fame because its leaves were the original inspiration for the “club” design in a card deck.
Pliny, the Roman naturalist and writer, reported that carvers, painters and engravers ingested Rue to improve their eyesight, and Aristotle commented that Rue eased the nervous indigestion suffered when eating in the presence of foreigners.
Rue can be easily grown in pots with average soil. Its striking blue-green leaves make it a lovely ornamental.
As a companion plant, tradition suggests that rue enhances the growth of figs, but should never be planted near basil sage or cabbage.
