Rue (Ruta graveolens)

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
4 Reviews
Regular price $18.95
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Pot Size

Rue, also known as Herb of Grace, is a small shrubby perennial that grows 2 to 3 feet high with delicate blue-green foliage and small, bright yellow flowers. It is in the citrus family (Rutaceae) and is native to the Balkans and southeastern Europe where it is used as a bitter flavoring in traditional cuisines of the eastern Mediterranean. 

Rue’s shrubby nature and charming foliage and flowers make it an excellent low-growing hedge, border, or container plant. The yellow flowers that bloom in June and July attract butterflies, but the highly fragrant leaves give off a strong aroma when crushed and can also repel insects. Planted in the garden, Rue is an effective insect-repelling companion. It is the national herb of Lithuania, and in southeastern Europe, it developed a reputation as a magical protective herb and was often planted in doorways to ward off evil spirits. 

Rue is a fast-growing, low-maintenance plant. It is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant after it is established and will grow in a variety of soils as long as they are well-draining. It does best in full sun but will tolerate light shade and is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 10.

How to Grow Rue Plants

Climate and Soil Requirements

  • Climate: Rue thrives in temperate climates and is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 4-9. The plant prefers warm, dry conditions and can tolerate drought and poor soil.
  • Soil: Prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH (7.0-8.0). Rue can thrive in poor soil conditions but performs best in well-amended ground.

Planting

  1. Location: Choose a sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Rue can tolerate partial shade but will have better foliage in full sun.
  2. Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil by tilling and adding sand or grit to improve drainage if necessary. Rue does not require rich soil and can thrive in relatively poor, well-drained soil.
  3. Planting Time: Plant seeds or young plants in the spring after the last frost. If starting from seed, sow seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost and transplant seedlings outdoors once they are sturdy.
  4. Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow adequate room for growth and air circulation.

Watering

  • Establishment Phase: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the first year. Consistent moisture is crucial for young plants.
  • Mature Plants: Once established, Rue is drought-tolerant. Water deeply and infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as Rue prefers dry conditions.

Sunlight

  • Full Sun: Ensure the plants receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and robust foliage.

Fertilizing

  • Minimal Fertilization: Rue thrives in poor soil and does not require heavy fertilization. Apply a light, balanced fertilizer in early spring if the soil is particularly poor.
  • Frequency: Fertilize sparingly, as too much fertilizer can reduce the plant's aromatic oils and bitterness.

Pruning and Maintenance

  • Routine Pruning: Prune in early spring to remove dead or damaged stems and to shape the plant. Light pruning throughout the growing season encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy.
  • Maintenance: Rue requires minimal maintenance once established. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Common Pests: Rue is generally pest-resistant but can occasionally attract aphids and spider mites. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestations.
  • Diseases: Watch for signs of fungal diseases such as root rot and powdery mildew. Ensure proper spacing, good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk. Apply fungicides if necessary.

Harvesting Leaves

  • When to Harvest: Harvest leaves as needed throughout the growing season. The best time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried, when the essential oils are most concentrated.
  • How to Harvest: Use scissors or garden shears to cut the leaves, taking care not to damage the main stems. Harvesting regularly encourages new growth and maintains the plant's shape.
Did you know all of our plants come in plantable coconut coir pots or recyclable nursery pots? 🌱 Our eco-friendly coir pots make planting a breeze—just pop them straight into the ground or a bigger pot! And our recyclable nursery pots are perfect for reusing in your garden or recycling responsibly. Want to learn more about our plant sizes, pot materials, and how to grow them?
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Curious about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Whether you’re gardening in sunny Florida or snowy Alaska, our latest blog breaks down how to find your Zone, what it really means, and why it shouldn’t limit your plant dreams! Learn how to grow tropical and subtropical plants anywhere with tips for container gardening, greenhouses, and more. 👉 Read the full blog here!

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Sow Exotic ships nationwide year-round to the United States.  We use plant-based, plastic-free, reusable, recyclable, biodegradable, AND compostable packaging materials. All of our plants ship ready-to-grow in plantable pots (with the exception of citrus) and range in size.  See the size guide on each plant page to learn more about what to expect upon arrival.

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Shipping cost is calculated at checkout based on your order weight and your distance from the nursery. Shipping is combined for multiple orders with plants, so the more you grow, the more you save!  

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Live plant orders are processed at the beginning of each week and ship on Monday-Thursday via 1-3 Day USPS Priority Mail. Order processing time before shipment changes seasonally and averages from same day shipping to up to 14 days depending on season. (Spring is busiest!). Expected delivery date and lead time is shown at checkout.

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Heat Packs & Weather Holds:

Heat Packs
Shipping tropical plants to a cold climate in the middle of winter? We sell Heat Packs! If it's under 32 degrees in your area, we definitely recommend ordering a Heat Pack! Visit our Heat Packs page to learn more and purchase your heat pack. 

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Waiting for the perfect time to plant? You can order now and request a custom weather hold until your preferred arrival date.  Please email care@sowexotic.com to request a custom hold. 

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Available for all plants!

Shipping to Hawaii & Puerto Rico & Minor Outlying Islands:

We ship to Puerto Rico! Due to USDA restrictions, here's the list of a plants that we don't ship. 

Plants that DO NOT ship to Puerto Rico: Coffee, Palm, Banana  

Plants that DO NOT ship to Hawaii: Pineapple, Palm, Papaya, Coffee, Banana, Passion Fruit

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5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 4 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 4 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
100%would recommend this product
4 reviews
  • J
    Jerry
    Verified Reviewer
    I recommend this product
    Years Gardening 10+
    Grown This Variety Before? Yes
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    10 months ago
    Nice plant

    Rue grows well here in El Paso, Texas in spite of the extreme climate. Does best in partial shade with a little water. Perennial. It is a host here for the black swallowtail.

  • D
    Danielle
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 year ago
    5 Stars

    Great!

  • AR
    Angel R.
    Verified Buyer
    I recommend this product
    Years Gardening 0-1
    Grown This Variety Before? No
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 year ago
    Just like they said

    Beautiful and healthy it got home all the way to York Pennsylvania thanks 😊

  • A
    Arlete
    I recommend this product
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    1 year ago
    5 Stars

    Looked good - nicely wrapped- adapting well!

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