Rue is a perennial, semi-evergreen subshrub belonging to the rue family (Rutaceae). It has been cultivated for centuries as an ornamental, culinary and medicinal plant. The plant forms a compact, bushy habit with attractive blue-grey to grey-green, finely divided foliage and produces numerous small golden-yellow flowers from June to August. These flowers are highly attractive to bees, hoverflies and other beneficial insects. Rue is ideal for creating low hedges, edging herb gardens or planting as a perennial in sunny borders.
The aromatic foliage has a strong, spicy and slightly bitter fragrance. Traditionally, rue has been used to help deter cats and dogs from gardens. An infusion of the leaves has also been used as a natural remedy against certain insects. In small quantities, the young leaves can be added to salads, soups, fish dishes, herb butter and sauces. A sprig of rue is also traditionally added to wine, liqueurs or vinegar to impart a characteristic bitter flavour. Because of its intense taste, the herb should always be used sparingly.
Since ancient times, rue has been used in herbal medicine and homeopathy, particularly to support digestion and for its traditionally attributed calming and antispasmodic properties. However, the plant contains potent active compounds and should not be used during pregnancy. In addition, the sap may cause skin irritation or increased sensitivity to sunlight in some people. It is therefore advisable to wear gloves when pruning or harvesting the plant.
Rue grows best in a sunny location with well-drained, preferably lime-rich soil. It is highly drought tolerant and requires very little maintenance. During mild winters, part of the foliage remains on the plant, while severe frost may cause the above-ground stems to die back. New shoots usually emerge vigorously from the base in spring. Rue is hardy to approximately -20 °C, provided the soil does not remain waterlogged during winter. Hardy perennial. Height: 50 - 90 cm.
Outdoor sowing: March - May
Germination: 14 - 35 days
Germination temp. : 18 - 22 °C
Sowing depth: shallow - ½ cm
Plant distance: 30 - 40 cm
Plant position:sunny - sheltered
Flowering period: July - August
Harvesting period leaves: May - September
Harvesting period seeds: August - September
Rue can be sown directly outdoors from March onwards, once the soil has warmed sufficiently and can be worked easily. Choose a warm, sunny and sheltered location with well-drained, preferably lime-rich soil. The plant is highly drought tolerant but does not tolerate prolonged wet conditions, especially during winter. Sow the seeds thinly in shallow drills or broadcast them evenly over the soil. Cover the seeds with a very thin layer of soil, no more than ½ cm deep, or simply press them gently into the surface. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination, but avoid waterlogging. Depending on the temperature, the first seedlings usually appear after 14 to 35 days.
Once the young plants are large enough to handle, thin them out or transplant them to a spacing of 30 - 40 cm. Water regularly until the plants are well established. After that, rue requires very little maintenance, with watering only necessary during prolonged periods of drought.
After flowering, the plants can be lightly pruned to maintain a compact shape. Older plants can be pruned back more firmly in spring, but avoid cutting deeply into old wood. Under favourable conditions, rue self-seeds readily, making it an excellent choice for naturalistic and wildlife-friendly gardens.
