Growing Rue: A Traditional Herb with a Complex Reputation
Rue (Ruta) is one of those plants that gardeners either love or approach with caution. This perennial herb has been cultivating both admirers and skeptics for centuries, and for good reason. With its distinctive blue-green foliage and tiny yellow flowers, rue brings a unique aesthetic to the garden – but it comes with some important considerations that every gardener should know about.
What Exactly Is Rue?
Rue is a perennial forb herb, meaning it’s a non-woody plant that comes back year after year. Unlike shrubs or trees, rue lacks significant woody tissue and maintains its growth from buds at or below ground level. The plant forms a compact, somewhat shrub-like appearance despite its herbaceous nature, typically reaching 2-3 feet in both height and width.
This aromatic herb is not native to North America – it originally hails from the Mediterranean region and southwestern Asia. However, it has established itself across many parts of the continent, reproducing spontaneously in the wild and persisting without human intervention.
Where You’ll Find Rue Growing
Rue has spread across a considerable range in North America, currently growing in Alberta, Alabama, California, Ontario, Connecticut, Quebec, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico.
The Appeal (and the Caution) of Growing Rue
Rue offers several attractive qualities for gardeners. Its blue-green, deeply divided leaves provide interesting texture and color contrast in the garden. The small, bright yellow flowers appear in clusters during summer, creating a cheerful display that attracts beneficial insects and some pollinators. The entire plant is highly aromatic, releasing a strong, distinctive scent when brushed or crushed.
However, here’s where the caution comes in: rue can cause skin irritation and photosensitivity in many people. The plant’s sap can cause burns and blistering, especially when skin is exposed to sunlight afterward. This makes rue a plant that requires respectful handling and careful placement in the garden.
Where Rue Thrives in the Garden
Rue is well-suited for several garden styles:
- Herb gardens: Traditional placement alongside other culinary and medicinal herbs
- Mediterranean gardens: Complements other drought-tolerant, aromatic plants
- Cottage gardens: Adds historical authenticity to traditional garden designs
- Aromatic borders: Works well in dedicated scent gardens
The plant performs best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates across North America.
Growing Conditions and Care
One of rue’s greatest strengths is its low-maintenance nature. Here’s what this hardy herb needs to thrive:
- Sunlight: Full sun exposure for best growth and flower production
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential – rue cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions
- Water: Drought tolerant once established; actually prefers drier conditions
- Maintenance: Light pruning after flowering helps maintain shape
Planting and Care Tips
When working with rue, always wear gloves and long sleeves to protect your skin. Plant it in an area where it won’t be accidentally brushed against, especially along pathways or in children’s gardens.
Rue is remarkably easy to establish and requires minimal care once settled. The key is providing good drainage – this Mediterranean native would rather be too dry than too wet. Avoid fertilizing heavily, as rue actually prefers somewhat lean soil conditions.
Consider Native Alternatives
While rue can be a fascinating addition to certain garden styles, consider exploring native herbs that might offer similar benefits without the non-native status. Depending on your region, native aromatic plants like wild bergamot, yarrow, or native sages might provide comparable aesthetic appeal while supporting local ecosystems.
The Bottom Line
Rue is a plant with a rich history and distinctive character, but it’s not for every gardener or every garden. If you’re drawn to its unique appearance and historical significance, and you can provide the right growing conditions while respecting its potentially irritating properties, rue might find a place in your herb or Mediterranean garden. Just remember to handle with care and consider whether a native alternative might better serve both your garden goals and local wildlife.
