Rue herb and garden

Rue is a native of Southern Europe, especially the Mediterranean region, and is found growing in poor free-draining soil. It has established itself in North America and Australia in similar conditions. It has also adapted to the cooler 'climates and is now naturalized in Northern Europe, known as Herb of Grace, perhaps because it was regarded protector against the Devil, witchcraft and magic. It was also used as an antidote against every kind of poison from toadstools to snake bites. The Romans brought it across northern Europe to Britain, where it did not gain favor until the Middle Ages, when it was one of the herbs carried in nosegays by the rich as protection from evil and the plague. Also, like rosemary, it was placed near the judge before prisoners were brought out, as protection from the pestilence ridden gaols and goal fever. It was famous for preserving eyesight and was said to promote second sight, perhaps acting on the third eye. Both Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo are supposed to have said that their inner vision had been enhanced by this herb.

Species

Ruta graveolens

Rur

Hardy evergreen perennial. Ht and spread 60cm (24in). Yellow waxy flowers with 4 or 5 petals in summer. Small rounded lobed leaves of a greeny blue color.

Ruta graveolens 'Jackman's Blue'

Ruejackman’s Blue

Hardy evergreen perennial. Ht and spread 60cm (24in). Yellow waxy flowers with 4 or 5 petals in summer. Small rounded lobed leaves of a distinctive blue color.

Ruta graveolens 'Variegata'

Variegated Rue

Hardy evergreen perennial. Hi and spread 60cm (24in). Yellow waxy flowers with 4 or 5 petals in summer. Small rounded lobed leaves with a most distinctive cream/ while variegation, which is particularly, marked in spring, fading in the summer unless the plant is kept well clipped. I have known people mistake the variegation for flowers and try to smell them, which show how attractive this plant is. Smelling it at close quarters is not, however, a good idea as this plant, like other rues, can cause the skin to blister.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

In spring sow the fine seed using the cardboard technique in prepared plug or seed trays. Use the bark, peat mix of compost and cover with Perlite. You may find that a bottom heat of 20°C (68°F) is helpful. Germination can be an all or nothing affair, it depends on the source of the seed. Young seedlings are prone to damping off, so watch the watering, and just keep the compost damp not wet. Unlike many variegated plants the variegated rue will be variegated from seed. When the seedlings are large enough plant out into a prepared site in the garden at a distance of 45cm (18in).

Cuttings

Take cuttings of new shoots in spring or early summer Jackman's Blue can only be propagated from cuttings. Use the bark, peat, grit mix of compost for the cuttings; again do not over-water as they can be prone to rot.

Pests and Diseases

Rue is prone to while fly followed by black sooty mould. Treat the white fly with a liquid horticultural soap as soon as the pest appears, following manufacturer's instructions. This should then also control the sooty mould.

Maintenance

Spring: cut back plants to regain shape. Sow seed. Take softwood cuttings.

Summer: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape.

Autumn: The variegated rue is slightly tenderer than the other 2 varieties, so protect when frosts go below -5°C (23°F).

Winter: Rue is hardy and requires protection only in extreme conditions.

Garden cultivation

All the rues prefer a sunny site with a well-drained poor soil. They are best positioned away from paths or at the back of beds where people won't brush against them accidentally, especially children whose skin is more sensitive than adults. In the spring, and after flowering in the summer (not autumn), cut back all the plains to maintain shape, and the variegated form to maintain variegations.

Harvest

Pick leaves for use fresh when required. No need to preserve.

Container growing

Rue can be grown in containers; use the bark, peat, grit mix of compost. Again position the container carefully so that one does not accidentally brush the leaves. Although it is a drought tolerant plant, in containers it prefers to be watered regularly in summer. Allow to dry in winter, watering only once a month. Feed plants in the spring with liquid fertilizer following the manufacturer's instructions.

Medicinal

This ancient medicinal herb is used in the treatment of strained eyes, and headaches caused by eye strain. It is also useful for nervous headaches and heart palpitations, for treating high blood pressure and helping to harden the bones and teeth. The antispasmodic action of its oil and the alkaloids explains its use in the treatment of nervous digestion and colic. The tea also expels worms. Must only be used by medical personnel and not at all by pregnant women, as it is abortive. Large doses are toxic, sometimes precipitating mental confusion, and the oil is capable of causing death.

Culinary

I seriously cannot believe that people enjoy eating this herb; it is incredibly bitter. It can be added finely chopped with discretion to egg, fish or cheese dishes.