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Common Rue

Ruta graveolens

The Ancient Aromatic: Sculptural Beauty with Ruta graveolens


The Snapshot

  • Common Name: Rue, Herb of Grace, Bitter Herb

  • Scientific Name: Ruta graveolens

  • Origin: Native to the Balkan Peninsula and Mediterranean region

  • Hardiness: Zones 4 – 9

  • The "Vibe": Formal, historical, and architectural; the "blue-velvet" accent of the herb garden.

Why We Love It

Rue is a plant for the senses. It features delicate, deeply lobed, blue-green foliage that looks like it has been cut from lace. In early summer, it produces clusters of small, bright yellow flowers with green centers that provide a stunning "primary color" contrast against the blue leaves. It has a very strong, bitter, and slightly citrusy scent that has been used in perfumes and medicines for thousands of years.


Ecosystem & Wildlife Impact

  • Giant Swallowtail Host: This is one of the few plants (along with citrus trees) that the Giant Swallowtail Butterfly chooses for its larvae. If you see "bird-dropping" caterpillars on your Rue, don't panic! You’re helping create North America's largest butterfly.

  • Pollinator Support: The small yellow flowers are highly attractive to Syrphid flies (which eat aphids) and small native bees.

  • Natural Repellent: The strong essential oils in the leaves are a natural deterrent for many "bad" bugs in the garden.

Designer Tips: Where to Plant

  • The Knot Garden: Because it can be sheared and stays relatively tidy, it is a classic choice for formal "Knot Gardens" or as a low, blue hedge around a veggie patch.

  • The Silver & Blue Border: Pair the sea-foam blue of Rue with the silver of Artemisia or the deep purple of Salvia.

  • The Butterfly Nursery: Plant it in a "hidden" corner if you are growing it specifically for the Swallowtails, as the caterpillars can occasionally munch the foliage quite a bit (don't worry, it grows back!).

⚠️ A Note of Caution: Ruta graveolens contains oils that can cause photosensitivity in some people. If the sap gets on your skin and is then exposed to direct sunlight, it can cause a blistering rash (similar to Poison Ivy). Always wear gloves when pruning Rue, especially on sunny days!


Stories from the Garden

"I planted Rue at the four corners of my raised vegetable beds. Not only does the blue color look amazing against the green kale, but I’ve noticed a lot fewer Japanese Beetles since I put them in. Plus, seeing the Giant Swallowtail butterflies in August is a highlight of my year!"

— Julianne R., Zone 6 Gardener


A Growing Story: The Butterfly's Choice

A customer once called us worried that "ugly caterpillars" were eating her Rue. We told her to wait two weeks. She called back in tears of joy after watching a Giant Swallowtail emerge and dry its wings on her porch. She now buys three Rue plants every year just to make sure the "babies" have enough to eat!


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