How to Grow Rue
Ruta graveolens
Rue is a tough, drought-tolerant, semi-evergreen sub-shrub that asks for very little. Give it a hot, sunny spot with sharply-drained, poor to average soil — it will sulk in rich, wet ground. Never cut into old wood when pruning; always trim back to fresh green growth in spring. Handle with care — rue sap causes serious phototoxic skin reactions in sunlight. Always wear gloves.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Rarely feed — rue thrives on poor, lean soil. Rich feeding produces weak, floppy growth. A light potash in spring on very poor soils is the maximum.
Watch For
- Root rot in waterlogged soil
- Scale insects
- Aphids (occasional)
Companions
Roses, Brassicas, Figs
Pet Safety
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun; hot and sheltered position
Needs as much sun as possible. Thrives in a warm, dry, sheltered spot. Will not perform well in shade or damp, cold positions.
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established; minimal watering needed
Water during the first season to establish roots. Once established, rue needs very little water. Overwatering or poor drainage leads to root rot.
Fertilizing
Avoid feeding; poor soil is preferred
Rich soil produces weak, floppy, disease-prone plants. On very poor soils only, a light potash dressing in spring is acceptable.
Pruning
Light spring trim to green growth; never into old wood
In spring, cut stems back by up to one third to just above fresh green growth. Rue will not regenerate from old woody stems — cutting too hard kills the plant.
Spacing
45–60 cm apart
Space 50 cm apart in well-drained soil. Good spacing improves air circulation and reduces the chance of root rot in wetter conditions.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 50 cm |
| Row spacing | 60 cm |
| Mature height | 60 cm |
| Mature spread | 50 cm |
