Description
Rue (Ruta graveolens) – Rue is a small evergreen perennial herb which reaches 18 to 24 inches tall and almost as wide. The stems become woody near the base, but remain herbaceous nearer the tips. Rue has 3 to 5 inch long leaves which have oblong or spoon shaped segments. They are somewhat fleshy and usually covered with a powdery bloom. The sea green foliage has a strong, pungent, rather unpleasant scent when bruised. Rue gets small clusters of yellow flowers near midsummer, held well above the foliage and often covering most of the plant. Rue grows best in full sun and thrives in poor sandy soils, and hot, dry sites. Of over the very few herbs that can boast this claim. Water new plantings regularly. Once it gets established, rue is quite drought tolerant. Mulch rue heavily in the winter months in the north where winters can be long and cold. Rue is an attractive standout in the herb garden. It’s often included in herb gardens since its leaves are used sparingly in salads and oriental dishes. Rue responds well to pruning and can be shaped into a rounded mass and used in borders and beds as well as the herb garden. Prune back rue to the old wood in spring to encourage bushiness. An attractive container plant, rue is often grown in a pot on the patio or on a sunny windowsill. The rue herb plant requires good drainage to prevent root fungus problems.
