Rue
Item Details
Rue is native to the Balkan Peninsula. The bitter taste of the herb rue has led to it being associated with the verb "to regret". It is mentioned in folklore and meieval handbooks on wellness but is now used primarily as an ornamental plant.
- Conventional
Growing Instructions
Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath surface of soil. Seeds need to be kept above 70°F for germination. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed in late spring. Prefers well- drained poor soil. Oil from Rue leaves may cause a photosensitive skin reaction in some. Use caution when brushing against leaves on warm sunny days.
- Start Indoors: 10-12 weeks before last frost
- Germination: 14-21 Days
- Plant Outdoors: 12-24” Apart
- Light: Full Sun
Ratings & Reviews
1 review
Hard-To-Find Swallowtail Host Plant!
by Teresa Rogers
Thrilled to find rue seeds online at Seedsavers. This tough-as-nails perennial isndispensable in my Zone 5 butterfly garden! This host plant not only attracts Eastern Black Swallowtails but also Giant Swallowtails. The blue-green foliage and shrub-like form makes an excellent backdrop to my other plants Best of all, the critters avoid it to the benefit of the other nearby plants. It does take a couple of years to reach its full potential as in this photo, and I transplanted the original seedlings in groups of 5 a few inches apart to achieve the nice full shrubby effect. I cut the old stems to within 4 inches or so of the soil each spring and I prune to reshape the clumps as needed late season. Thank you, Seedsavers, for carrying this hard to find variety!