Ruta graveolens
common rue
A bushy evergreen shrub to a height of 1m, with aromatic, broad, blue-grey leaves pinnately divided into rounded segments, and clusters of 4-petalled yellow flowers 2cm across, in summer
Other common names
ave gracecountryman's treacle
see moreherb grace
herb impia
herb of repentance
ruth
serving man's joy
bitter herb
herb of grace
Synonyms
Ruta divaricata
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Blue Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green Blue Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Blue Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Blue Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
ExposedDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC to skin with sunlight. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Ruta can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or woody-based perennials with aromatic, pinnately lobed leaves and yellow flowers with 4 or 5 fringed petals in terminal clusters
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. Will thrive in a hot dry site
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 10 in spring or after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally-disease free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.