Ruta

( ROOT - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Rue or Herb-Of-Grace, this genus of flowering perennials includes species which need full sun and moderate to regular water to perform well in the garden. They can reach 2 to 3 feet tall and just as wide at maturity and have aromatic, ferny foliage. Rue is native to southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean, and produces small yellow flowers that mature to attractive brown seed capsules. Grow these plants as members of herb or potager gardens, use them to draw pollinators into the landscape, or simply use them to brighten up mixed beds, borders, or container plantings. They can also do well in rock gardens and xeriscapes and as a fragrant groundcover. Take care when planting Rue in the landscape, as skin contact with the sap followed by hot, sunny weather can lead to contact dermatitis. Avoid planting near walkways or other areas where they may be brushed up against.

Ruta species and Varietals

The genus Ruta is in the plant family Rutaceae and includes 10 species, only two of which are commonly cultivated in home gardens. The plants in this genus are closely related to those in Citrus (Lemon, Orange, Lime, Grapefruit) and Xanthoxylum (Sichuan Pepper). Rue grows well in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 2-24. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Ruta chalepensis (Fringed Rue, Egyptian Rue, Wall Rue)
These Mediterranean natives have naturalized in warm temperate regions worldwide and produce a perennial plant that reaches about 31 inches tall when in bloom. Small bright yellow flowers are clustered together towards the tips of stems. Shrubs have a very sharp, strong scent that is a mixture between green herbs, sharp spice, and citrus undertones; some find it unappealing. They are cultivated for their fragrant foliage and flowers, which are used in teas, coffee, spice blends, or infused into beverages and liquors. This species is suited for USDA zones 5-11.

Ruta graveolens (Rue, Common Rue, Herb-of-Grace, Garden Rue, Arruda, Countrymen's Treacle, Ruda)
These plants are native to the Balkan Peninsula, and are grown throughout the world as ornamentals or culinary herbs. Foliage is blue-green and flowers are yellow. Foliage is strongly scented when bruised or crushed. Cultivars include 'Jackman's Blue' (dense to 2 feet with blue-grey foliage), 'Blue Beauty' (with especially blue leaves), 'Variegata' (with white-marked foliage), 'Blue Mound' (compact to 18-24 in. with lacey blue leaves) and 'Curly Girl' (with blue-green leaves and chartreuse flowers).

Caring for Ruta

Take care when planting Rue in the landscape, as skin contact with the sap followed by hot, sunny weather can lead to contact dermatitis. Avoid planting near walkways or other areas where they may be brushed up against. Rue is typically purchased as a specimen from a reputable nursery, though seeds can also be be sown in flats, and then transplanted to 1 foot apart in the garden once the last threat of frost has passed. Plant these herbs in a space in the garden that receives full sun. Ensure that soil is well-draining, moderately fertile, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 8.5 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline). Fringed Rue appreciates a more alkaline environment, and Common Rue prefers slightly acidic substrate. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. The plant can be pruned in early springtime (or fall) to about 6 inches tall to encourage bushier growth; Rue develops woody stems over time, and blooms on new growth. Deadhead flowers as they fade for a neater appearance and to discourage re-seeding, If you will be harvesting seeds for propagation or decoration, make sure to leave a few seed heads on the plant to mature. These are short-lived plants, typically grown until they fade and then pulled and replaced. They will re-seed freely in the garden.

Caring for Ruta in Containers
Ruta shrubs are wonderful in the ground, but can also be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Ruta plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Harvesting Ruta
To harvest a Rue plant, dawn protective gear including gloves and long sleeves to prevent skin contact. These plants can cause contact dermatitis, so it is important to take great care when working with them. Rue plants are often harvested for their dried flowers and seed heads. Some gardeners choose to create sachets to deter pests (including fleas and ants), and others harvest seed clusters for use in dried arrangements, wreaths, and swags. Chop the entire top of the plant off using clean, sharpened garden shears or clippers and then hang it in a dark, dry, cool place until the leaves lose their moisture and become brittle. The plant can be taken down and broken up at this point, stored in an airtight container until use. Make sure it is kept out of reach of children and pets.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Ruta, or Herb of Grace, can be propagated by cutting or seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division or cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant, especially if you are propagating a hybrid cultivar. To propagate your Rue plant, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Ruta by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
Get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 1-4 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Ruta by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 3-4 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new plant.