Rue, Ruta graveolens, can irritate your skin. Some say it tastes
like strong blue cheese and it can be poisonous if ingested in
large amounts. So, why grow it? Believe it or not, there are
some great reasons for adding rue to your landscape. First,
it's ornamental with pretty foliage, it's a favorite of the black
swallowtail butterfly, dogs and cats dislike it, and it's drought
tolerant.
Rue is a semi-evergreen herb that can be grown in poor soil,
and once it's established it is VERY drought tolerant even in
hot dry areas and rocky soil. It's hardy to Zone 4, but should
be mulched in the winter. Full sun and a very well drained soil
are the best for rue. Seed can be sown at 68 degrees on
the surface of the soil. It's germination could be rather erratic
and will take from a week to a month. It does self-seed so be
sure to deadhead plants to prevent spreading. Rue will grow
to about 3 foot tall. It's often used in knot gardens and as a
hedge because it can be pruned into shape. Pruning should
be done in the spring or after flowering.
Rue also makes a nice addition to a rock garden or in a border
that is out of the way. Wear gloves when handling the plants
to protect yourself from the sap. The foliage and the seed pods
can be dried for arrangements. The flowers are tiny and yellow,
but look neat on the plant in midsummer.
Rue is known as a companion plant to strawberries, figs, roses
and raspberries partly because it tends to help deter Japanese
beetles. I've read NOT to plant it with cabbage, sage, mint, or
any of the basils, but don't know the reason. Rue is also said to
repel cats, dogs and flies. I would not use it in any type of
spray however, because the sap can be so irritating to some
people-- I wouldn't want it to get on pets either. The plant itself
in the garden will deter them-- most likely it's the smell.
Rue is a wonderful ornamental once you understand it's quirky
character, and plant it where it will do it's best for your garden.
Richters
Herbs carry rue.
About the author:
Brenda Hyde is a wife and mom to three living in the Midwest
United States. She is also editor of OldFashionedLiving.com.
Perennial & Landscaping Resources
Breck's: Bulbs & Plants
Spring Hill Nursery
Michigan Bulb
Henry Field's
Gurney's Seed & Nursery
Jackson & Perkins
White
Flower Farm
Nature Hills Nursery
