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Ruta graveolens ( ROO - tuh grav - ee - Ohio - lens system ) is a aboriginal of the Balkan Peninsula , southern and southeastern Europe .
This member of the Rutaceae ( roo - TAY - see - ee ) family is a herbaceous evergreen plant perennial and is commonly know as the Rue plant .

The plant ’ genus name , Ruta , is derived from a Latin Holy Scripture which means unpleasantness or bitterness .
The specific name , graveolens , is translate as “ heavily scented ” and refer to the unattackable smell of the blossom .
Caring For Herb Rue Plants – Ruta Graveolens
Size & Growth
herb of grace plants are hardy and recommended for USDA hardiness zone 4 - 11 where it get hold of 2′-3′ foot tall with an equal spread .
In northern locating mulch plants heavily for winter . Rue is forgiving and will grow even in dry , hapless grease but to thrive it needs a well drained grease .
Although Rue flowers are quite attractive , the pretty , dispirited light-green foliation is even more so . The leaves are delicate and fern like and richly perfumed .
Flowering & Fragrance
The flora ’ dull showy , sweet sweet-smelling chickenhearted heyday seem in abundance throughout the months of June and July .
The small flowers are four or five petalled and grow in flatten corymbs ( clustering ) atop sturdy stalks that put up above the foliage .
At the ending of the flower time of year , the bloom of the Rue herb conversion into brownish seed pods capsules .
NOTE : pile up seed caput to prevent these herbaceous plant plants from self - seeding .
Light & Temperature
develop Rue in full sunshine allow the plant to thrive but will put up faint ghost .
These heat loving plants are winter brave in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 11 .
Watering & Feeding
Once established , ruefulness plants are very drought tolerant and execute good in a very live , dry climate .
Soil & Transplanting
It ’s very easy to grow the uncouth Rue in well - drained , moderately fertile soil with little or no moisture .
If your soil is misfortunate , Rue can do quite well as long as the soil is also sharply drain . Wet soil is to be avoided .
Grooming & Maintenance
If you are site in the northern areas of this plants ’ hardiness range , be sure to provide a blockheaded level of mulch in the wintertime .
In springtime , cut back the plants all the fashion back to the older wood to encourage new development .
Propagation Of Rue Plant – Ruta graveolens
Rue may be propagated with cutting or by simply sowing Rue seeds direct into your choose planting site .
Rue Plant Pest or Diseases
This hardy , richly scented plant is not bothered by insect .
The only disease that mayplague it is root bunk , if the plant is kept in torpid grime .
Is The Ruda Plant Considered Toxic Or Poisonous?
The leaves of the usual Rue plant are toxic if they are eaten . Be sure to keep plant away from kids , pet and livestock .
When you wield this plant , be sure to wear gloves and long sleeve . The leaf oil are have sex to get to and cause itching , blistering , and cauterize .
dampen up as before long as you are through do by or pruning the foliage because contact can have dermatitis .
Is The Rue Considered Invasive?
Garden Rue naturalizes easy in open bailiwick , along the side of the route and in sphere where the dirt has been raise up .
Take gravid maintenance to contain it in your garden , peculiarly if you live in the northeast United States .
Suggested Rue Plant – Ruta graveolens Uses
Throughout story , the common Rue herb has been used in ethnic music medicine ; however , it is not entirely dependable to use it in this manner . These daylight it has somewhat fallen out of favor among practitioners of natural medicine .
produce Rue as a nice addition to the butterfly garden . It is a innkeeper flora for two of manygardener ’s favorite butterfly – the Black Swallowtail and the Giant Swallowtail .
The Giant Swallowtail is the enceinte butterfly in North America .
As a pretty addition to naturalize in a gay battleground with poor land , this drouth and deer tolerant works makes an excellent selection .
It also total involvement and pleasant aroma when used as a border or butt works around a patio or porch .
Individual plants are very attractive sum up to herb gardens and stone gardens , but you must be open-eyed to forestall induce Rue take over .