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. It is drought resistant and low maintenance.

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

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

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

Frequently asked questions