Rue is an easy-care herb perfect for gardens. Follow this guide to rue plant care for rue success. Reap the benefits of its striking foliage, pest resistance and culinary qualities for many years to come.
Choosing the Right Spot for Rue
When selecting a location for rue plants, aim for an area receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Rue thrives in heat and dislikes soggy soil. Pick a spot with well-draining soil or amend clay soils with compost. Leave ample room between plants for air circulation. Shelter rue from strong winds which can damage the delicate leaves.
- Rue prefers full sun exposure. Select a spot getting at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Well-draining soil is essential. Amend clay or compacted soil by mixing in compost.
- Leave 2-3 feet between plants for good air flow. Rue spreads as it matures.
- Strong winds can damage rue’s lacy foliage. Provide a sheltered spot or use row covers to protect newly planted rue.
Ensuring Perfect Soil Conditions for Rue
Rue grows best in slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6 and 7. Incorporate compost into the soil to improve drainage and provide nutrients. The soil should be loose and crumbly, not compacted clay. A layer of mulch around the plants helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Be sure not to overwater, as soggy soil causes root rot.
- Test soil pH and amend if needed to reach 6-7
- Work compost or organic matter into the top 6 inches of soil
- Loose, crumbly soil texture provides the drainage rue needs
- Heavy clay soils should be amended substantially with compost
- Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around plants to regulate moisture and temperature
- Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent fungal issues
Watering Requirements for Rue
Rue has low water requirements once established. Water young plants regularly until the roots develop. Then water only when the top inch of soil is dry. Provide around 1 inch of water weekly, allowing the soil to partially dry between waterings. Water in early morning to prevent foliage diseases. Consider mulch and rain collection to maintain optimal soil moisture.
- Young rue plants need more frequent watering for establishment
- Mature plants only need supplemental water during dry periods
- Water deeply once a week during normal conditions
- Always check soil moisture before watering by inserting finger into soil
- Morning watering is best to allow foliage to dry out
- Excessive watering encourages root rot
- Utilize mulch, rain barrels to maintain ideal moisture levels
Pruning and Maintaining Rue
Prune rue in early spring to shape the plant and encourage bushy regrowth. Remove dead or damaged branches anytime to improve health. Thin crowded areas for better air flow. Cut back leggy stems to keep rue compact. Wear gloves and limit pruning, since rue is slow growing. Regular pruning maintains an attractive shape and productive plant.
- Prune rue plants in early spring before new growth emerges
- Use clean, sharp pruners to avoid damaging stems and leaves
- Remove dead or damaged branches first to improve plant health
- Thin inner branches to open up air circulation
- Trim leggy growth to encourage bushier regrowth
- Handle rue gently during pruning since it is slow to recover
- Regular pruning maintains shape and productivity
- Wear gloves to protect skin from irritation from rue’s oils
Fertilizing Rue Plants
Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during spring and summer. Rue is not a heavy feeder so avoid over-fertilizing which causes excessive foliage instead of flowers. Follow package instructions for correct dosage. If signs of deficiency appear, increase frequency. Stop fertilizing after August to prep for dormancy.
- Fertilize rue monthly through the growing season
- Use a balanced 10-10-10 or organic fertilizer
- Only fertilize lightly, as rue doesn’t need much
- Excess fertilizer causes more leaves instead of flowers
- Stop fertilizing after August so plants harden off before winter
- Increase fertilizer if deficiency symptoms like yellowing leaves occur
- Always follow label directions carefully to avoid burn
Controlling Pests and Diseases in Rue
Rue’s strong scent naturally deters many pests. Pay attention to potential infestations of aphids, spider mites or caterpillars. Remove by hand or use insecticidal soap. Improve air circulation and avoid wet foliage to prevent powdery mildew and other fungal diseases. Remove affected leaves promptly.
Common rue pests
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Caterpillars
Control methods
- Hand pick off larger pests
- Use insecticidal soap sprays for heavy infestations
- Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings
Disease prevention
- Improve air flow through proper spacing and pruning
- Avoid overhead watering
- Water at the base of plants
- Remove diseased foliage quickly
- Use fungicides if powdery mildew persists
Propagating Rue Plants
Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings in spring from healthy plants. Remove lower leaves and plant in a sterile medium like perlite or sand. Rooting hormone boosts success rate. Keep cuttings warm and moist until roots develop. Transplant into soil after a few weeks. Rue can also be grown from seeds but germination is inconsistent.
Rue stem cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings from mature plants in spring
- Strip lower leaves
- Dip cut end in rooting hormone
- Plant in sterile potting mix
- Maintain warmth and moisture until rooted
Growing rue from seeds
- Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost
- Gently scratch seed coat before planting
- Cover seeds lightly with soil
- Maintain soil temperature of 65-70°F
- Germination is irregular over several weeks
Harvesting and Using Rue
Use gloves when harvesting as rue sap may irritate skin. Snip leaves as needed, taking care not to crush them. Rinse and pat dry. Use fresh immediately or air dry leaves for storage. Dried or fresh leaves flavor salads, soups, rubs and more. Start with small amounts as the taste is intense. Rue has historically been used as a medicinal herb but should not be over-consumed.
Harvesting rue
- Always wear gloves to avoid skin irritation
- Use scissors to cut leaves from stems
- Handle leaves gently to prevent bruising
- Rinse leaves after harvest
- Pat dry with towel
Using rue
- Add fresh leaves sparingly to salads, soups, sauces
- Air dry leaves completely before storing
- Store dried leaves in airtight containers
- Use dried rue in spice rubs, marinades, teas
- Start with small amounts until adjusted to potent flavor
Caution
- Avoid excessive consumption of rue
- Pregnant women should not ingest rue
- Keep away from children and pets
Caring for Rue in Winter
Trim rue back to 6-8 inches before frost. Mulch the base to insulate roots from cold. Keep soil slightly moist. Check for pest or disease damage during winter. Bring potted plants indoors until spring. Rue grown outdoors in zones 5-11 may die back but reemerge in spring.
- Cut rue back to 6-8 inches in late fall
- Apply 3-4 inches of mulch around base
- Provide occasional deep watering during winter
- Check for pest or disease damage
- Remove dead leaves and branches
- Bring containers indoors until danger of frost passes
- Protect with row covers if winter temps drop below 0°F
Tips for Rue Gardening Success
Sun and soil
- Grow rue in a sunny spot
- Well-drained soil is essential
Watering
- Water deeply but infrequently
- Consider rain and humidity when watering
Care
- Prune regularly for plant shape and health
- Control pests immediately to avoid spreading
Fertilization
- Fertilize monthly through growing season
- Avoid over-fertilizing
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Rue
- Overwatering leading to root rot
- Allowing soil to completely dry out
- Insufficient sunlight due to too much shade
- Excessive pruning inhibits growth
- Overfertilizing causes foliar growth over flowers
Determining Watering Frequency for Rue
- Hot or dry periods require more frequent watering
- Mature plants need less water than younger plants
- Check soil moisture before watering
- Water when top inch of soil becomes dry
- Reduce frequency after heavy rainfall
Choosing Companion Plants for Rue
Pest deterring plants
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Thyme
Soil enhancing plants
- Oregano
- Chamomile
- Yarrow
Growing Rue in Containers
Rue does very well in containers with the right care:
- Use a quality potting mix in a 12-16 inch diameter pot
- Ensure container has adequate drainage holes
- Site container in full sun
- Water when soil dries out to the touch
- May need extra protection in winter depending on climate
- Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly
- Prune to maintain compact size and shape
Rue Seed Germination Timeframe
Getting rue from seeds can be tricky but rewarding:
- Gently scratch seed coat before planting to scarify
- Sow seeds at 1/4 inch depth
- Maintain consistent soil temperature around 70°F
- Expect germination to take 14-21 days
- Note that germination rates are erratic
- Transplant seedlings when 2-3 sets of true leaves emerge
Improving Air Circulation for Rue
Proper air flow prevents fungal issues:
- Space rue plants 2-3 feet apart
- Prune dead inner branches and dense growth
- Remove weeds and debris around plants
- Use fans to improve air movement if needed
- Address signs of poor circulation immediately
- Improve spacing and pruning for long term prevention
Harvesting Rue Leaves
Follow these steps for harvesting rue leaves:
- Always wear gloves to avoid skin irritation
- Use clean, sharp scissors or shears
- Cut stems just above a leaf node
- Handle leaves gently to prevent bruising
- Rinse off any dirt after harvest
- Pat gently with towel to dry
- For best flavor, harvest in the morning
Final Thoughts on Rue Plant Care
Rue is an easy-growing herb for gardens when given the right conditions. Provide ample sunshine, well-draining soil, modest fertilization and careful watering for success. Pay close attention to potential pest problems and maintain good air circulation around plants. Harvest rue for culinary uses and dry any excess for storage. With its showy blue-green foliage and pest resistance, rue is a unique and useful plant for every gardener. Follow this comprehensive growing and care guide to enjoy thriving rue for many seasons.
