Ruta graveolens
Ruta graveolensfam. Lamiaceae
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Pl. D045 — Ruta graveolens
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IOverview
Overview
Ruta graveolens, commonly known as rue, belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is native to regions including Albania, Bulgaria, Crimea, Turkey-in-Europe, and Yugoslavia. This subshrub or herbaceous plant reaches a height of 0.5 meters and is well-suited for gardens where it can thrive in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil with a pH between 7.5 and 8. Rue is both edible and medicinal; its leaves are often used in culinary applications. Additionally, rue has been utilized for centuries due to its documented medicinal properties. One distinctive feature of this plant is its preference for dry to moist conditions, making it adaptable to various environments within its native range.
Quick answers
What is Ruta graveolens?
Ruta graveolens, commonly known as rue, belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is native to regions including Albania, Bulgaria, Crimea, Turkey-in-Europe, and Yugoslavia. This subshrub or herbaceous plant reaches a height of 0.
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Ruta graveolens thrives in light to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils that are medium or heavy with a pH of 7.5–8. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4-10. Water the plant sparingly, allowing it to dry out between waterings. The subshrub grows to about 0.5 meters and produces edible leaves. Propagate via division or seed in spring.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-10
Habit
Subshrub, Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
Soil pH
7.5–8
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Ruta graveolens for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple planting of Skipped in your garden to gain experience.
- 1
What you'll need
A small plant or seeds, a trowel, and some compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in autumn before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 7.5–8, and ensure it's light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants into the garden or sow seeds directly where they will grow.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells, and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune lightly in spring to encourage bushy growth. Harvest leaves as needed for culinary use.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Condiment, Rutin, Tea
Other uses:DyeEssential OilStrewingGround coverFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 25 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 25 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 5 native· 25 introduced
Europe10 regions
native (3)AlbaniaBulgariaUkraine
introduced (7)AustriaBelgiumFranceGermanyGreeceRussiaUnited Kingdom
Americas1 region
introduced (1)Ecuador
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia
introduced:Cape Provinces, Connecticut, District of Columbia, East Aegean Is., Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Northern Provinces, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec, Rhode I., Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Lamiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Lamiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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