Here’s how to grow a rue plant for its aromatic blue-green leaves and delicate texture.
When the rue plants tough, fleshy leaves are lightly disturbed, it gives off a fruity scent.
However, when the plant is crushed, it emits a powerful musk odor.
Credit:Dean Schoeppner
So, what is there to love about rue?
Rue plants are, however, still beloved for their bluish leaves and tolerance to dry soil conditions.
Rue is aperennial herb thatwas once used medicinally.
Credit:Denny Schrock
However, today, it is toxic to people and animalswhen consumed in large quantities.
Rue often grows wild in vineyards and gravel pits on rough, stony ground.
Rue also makes a welcome addition to pollinator gardens, butterfly beds, and deer-resistant borders.
Credit:Denny Schrock
However, while rue is short-lived, it self-seeds.
Remove its flower heads before they set seed to avoid unwanted plants.
They need light to germinate.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
The germination process for rue plants can take up to four weeks, so its important to be patient.
Once the seedlings emerge, thin or transplant them to allow 1 foot of space between plants.
Light
Rue grows best infull sunand should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Credit: Richard Baer
The plant tolerates part shade, but it will produce fewer flowers in the shade.
It prefers temperatures between 65F and 75F and is tolerant of humidity as long as thesoil has good drainage.
Fertilizer
If planted in rich soil, rue plant does not require fertilizer.
Credit: Scott Little
Pests and Problems
Rue is seldom affected by insects or diseases.
It is a hardy plant that is deer-resistant andattracts pollinators.
Root rot may occur if rue is overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.
Like common rue plants, it bears yellow flowers throughout the summer.
It grows 23 feet tall and wide in Zones 410.
They appear in spring amid blue-green foliage that closely resembles that of common rue.
This rue plant is a favorite host plant ofswallowtail butterflylarvae.
It grows 2 to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide in Zones 8-10.
For this reason, do not grow rue around basil, sage, cabbage, cucumbers, and mint.
However, companion planting rue with the following plants can be beneficial.
The rue plants scent deters the onion fly from laying eggs near the vegetable.
Like rue plants, onions do best in loose, well-drained soil.
Plant onion bulbs or sets in the garden two to three weeks before the average last frost date.
Dig a hole big and wide enough to fit the entire root systemroses dont like to be crowded.
Also, plant rose bushes at least 3 feet apart to allow for growth.
Plantraspberry canes20 inches apart and in rows 5 feet apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rue has a long history of being used to repel insects.
Its strong odor often deters pests.
A recent study revealed that the essential oil of rue showed insecticidal activity against mosquito larvae.
While rue plants readily self-seed, they are not considered invasive.
However, they have escaped cultivation and are considered a noxious weed in some regions.
To control the spread of your rue plants, remove the seed heads before they disperse their seeds.
If youre looking to add color to your landscape, rues blue-green leaves make an attractive addition.
It is also extremely easy to groweven in poor soil.
