Also known as Cillaattama · Common Rue · Garden Rue
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Rue (Ruta graveolens) is a hardy perennial subshrub with distinctive blue-green, aromatic foliage and small yellow-green flowers. Valued ornamentally, all parts are toxic
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Prefers full sun, tolerates partial shade.
80% intensity
Allow soil to dry between waterings; drought-tolerant once established.
40% intensity
Well-drained, sandy or loamy, neutral to alkaline pH.
50% intensity
Thrives in warm temperatures, tolerates mild frosts.
60% intensity
Outdoor
50% intensity
Requires minimal fertilization, especially in poor soils.
20% intensity
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of Ruta graveolens are toxic if ingested, causing gastrointestinal upset, liver damage, and photosensitivity. Skin contact with the sap can cause severe phytophotodermatitis (blistering rash) when exposed to sunlight.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Needs regular watering when young to establish. Once mature, it is drought-tolerant and prefers the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering significantly in cooler, dormant periods if applicable, ensuring good drainage.
Prune in early spring to maintain a compact shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead or leggy stems. Hard pruning can rejuvenate older plants, promoting fresh foliage.
Always wear gloves and protective clothing due to its skin irritant properties.
Easily propagated from seeds sown in spring or by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Cuttings root best in a well-drained medium with bottom heat.
Division of established clumps is also possible in spring, ensuring each division has roots and shoots.
Repot container-grown plants every 2-3 years in spring, moving to a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Rue prefers to be somewhat root-bound, so avoid excessively large pots.
Ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Rue (Ruta graveolens)
Where Rue (Ruta graveolens) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Ruta |
| Species | Ruta graveolens |
Similar in genus Ruta
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
