Overview

Ruta graveolens is a bushy shrubs in the genus Ruta, part of the Rutaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Ruta graveolens grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is drought resistant and low maintenance. Suggested uses include culinary and medicinal. It is native to Flanders.

About

Ruta graveolens, commonly known as rue, common rue, ruda, arruda or herb-of-grace, is a species of the genus Ruta grown as an ornamental plant and herb. It is native to the Mediterranean. It is grown throughout the world in gardens, especially for its bluish leaves, and sometimes for its tolerance of hot and dry soil conditions. It is also cultivated as a culinary herb, and to a lesser extent as an insect repellent and incense. Mature plants reach roughly 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and loam and sand soil. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and west-facing and south-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ruta graveolens

About the genus

Ruta is a genus of strongly scented evergreen subshrubs, 20–60 cm (8–24 in) tall, in the family Rutaceae, native to the Mediterranean region, Macaronesia and southwest Asia. About ten species are accepted in the genus. The most well-known species is Ruta graveolens.

Wikipedia contributors, "Ruta", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ruta

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Ruta

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral, Alkaline

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

West-facing, South-facing

Exposure

Exposed

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Ruta graveolens size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Shrubs

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

0.5-1 metres

Spread

0.5-1 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

Culinary, Medicinal

Native to

Flanders

Fragrance

Strong, pungent, bitter aroma

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested in large quantities; can cause skin irritation and photosensitivity

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Ruta graveolens

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering

Pruning

Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness; remove old wood to promote new growth

Propagation

Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions