Common Rue Ruta graveolens 'Jackman's Blue'

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Not blooming

🍪 Edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Common rue, specifically the variety 'Jackman's Blue,' is an ornamental plant known for its distinctive foliage and presence in gardens. It features a mounding growth habit with woody stems at the base. The leaves of 'Jackman's Blue' are particularly attractive, with a blue-green hue that gives the variety its name. These leaves are finely divided and feathery in appearance, creating a delicate and lacy effect that contrasts well against other garden plants. The plant also produces small flowers that are typically yellow and clustered together in terminal inflorescences, adding a subtle pop of color to the overall display of the plant. These flowers can attract pollinating insects to the garden. The overall look of the plant is quite aromatic and robust, with a dense and bushy appearance, making it suitable for use as a border plant or as part of a mixed herbaceous border. Despite its attractive qualities, it should be noted that common rue has a strong scent and can be irritating to the skin when handled, so care should be taken when planting or pruning this variety.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Rutaceae.
- Synonyms
  Rue, Herb-of-Grace, Jackman's Blue Rue.
- Common names
  Ruta graveolens 'Jackman's Blue'.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Blue-Green
- Flower color
  Yellow
- Height
  2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
- Spread
  2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  5
- Native area
  Southern Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Ruta graveolens 'Jackman's Blue', commonly known as Rue, has ornamental blue-green foliage that adds visual interest to gardens.
- Pest Repellent: Rue is known to repel certain insects and animals, helping to protect nearby plants.
- Culinary Use: Although used sparingly due to its strong flavor, Rue can be used in cooking, particularly in classical European cuisine.
- Historical Significance: Rue has a long history of use in folk traditions and gardens, providing an educational aspect to its cultivation.
- Herbal Companion: It is considered a good companion plant for gardens, as it may help deter pests that would otherwise affect nearby plants.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Rue is drought-resistant, making it a good choice for water-wise gardens or areas with low rainfall.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires relatively low care, it demands minimal watering and fertilizing once established.
- Longevity: Rue is a perennial plant that can provide consistent greenery for several years with proper care.
Medical Properties
- Anxiolytic: Some compounds in rue have been used to alleviate anxiety.
- Anti-inflammatory: Rue has traditionally been used for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antispasmodic: It may help to relieve spasms of smooth muscles.
- Antiseptic: Rue has been used for its antiseptic properties to clean wounds and prevent infections.
- Anthelmintic: It has been used to treat intestinal worms.
- Emmenagogue: Rue has been used to stimulate menstruation.
- Antifungal: Contains compounds that are believed to have antifungal effects.
- Analgelsic: Rue has been used to relieve pain such as headaches.
Please note that self-medication with rue (Ruta graveolens) can be dangerous, and its use is not generally recommended without the supervision of a healthcare provider due to potential toxicity and side effects.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Ruta graveolens, commonly known as rue, can be used as an insect repellent when its leaves are placed among linens and clothing to repel moths and other pests.
- The strong aroma of rue makes it useful in potpourri and aromatic sachets, providing a fresh and distinctive scent for enclosed spaces.
- Rue is traditionally planted near roses and raspberries in the garden, as it is believed to help ward off pests that may harm these plants.
- The plant can be used as a natural dye, producing colors ranging from yellow to green, depending on the mordant used.
- As a companion plant, rue is said to improve the health and flavor of certain vegetables, such as carrots and broccoli, when planted in close proximity.
- The foliage of rue can be utilized in floral arrangements to add a unique blue-green texture and a strong visual contrast to flowers.
- In the past, rue leaves were strewn on floors as a deodorizer and to prevent pests, as the leaves release a powerful fragrance when crushed.
- The bitter taste of rue leaves has been used in small quantities to flavor foods and beverages, such as cheeses and grappa, in traditional European cuisines.
- Rue has been included in cultural rituals and superstitions, often associated with repelling evil and protecting against spells.
- Gardeners sometimes use rue to create a natural border that deters cats and dogs from entering certain garden areas due to its strong scent.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Rue plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Rue plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Regret: Historically, rue (Ruta graveolens) has been used to symbolize regret or repentance. It was used in the past to signify regrettable actions or decisions.
- Repelling Evil: Due to its strong aroma, rue has been associated with warding off evil spirits and is sometimes used in rituals or worn as a talisman for protection.
- Medicinal: Rue is well-known for its various medicinal properties, symbolizing healing, especially as it was used in traditional medicines to treat a variety of ailments.
- Bitterness: The bitter taste of rue leaves can symbolize bitterness or sorrow in life, as its pungent flavor is mirrored by difficult experiences.
- Clear Vision: Rue has been linked with improving physical eyesight, hence symbolizing clarity and insight, suggesting the removal of obstacles to inner vision or understanding.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

10000 - 20000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
For the Common Rue or Herb of Grace, it's important to water deeply but infrequently, as the plant prefers slightly dry conditions. Generally, watering once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons should suffice during active growth in the spring and summer, while you'll need to reduce watering in the fall and winter. Ensure that the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid getting the foliage wet, which can lead to leaf spot or other fungal issues.
Light
Common Rue thrives in a spot with full sun exposure, as it prefers and benefits from at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, it can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Make sure to position it in a location that receives unobstructed sunlight for the best growth and oil production.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Common Rue is between 50°F and 75°F. The plant can tolerate a little colder temperature down to about 20°F and can withstand heats of up to 90°F without direct sun during the hottest part of the day. For optimal growth and health, maintain a moderate temperature and avoid extremes.
Pruning
Pruning Common Rue is primarily done to shape the plant and to remove any dead or damaged foliage, which should be done in early spring. Cut back the plant by a third each year to maintain its compact form and encourage new growth. Pruning is also beneficial after the first flowering to promote a second bloom period.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Rue ('Jackman's Blue') thrives best in well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil with a slightly alkaline pH between 6.5 to 8.0. A mix consisting of one-part sand or perlite, one-part garden soil, and one-part compost or peat will create an ideal growing medium for this herbaceous plant.
Repotting
Rue ('Jackman's Blue') does not require frequent repotting and should only be repotted once every 2-3 years unless it has outgrown its current container. The plant prefers to be slightly root-bound.
Humidity & Misting
Rue ('Jackman's Blue') prefers a dry atmosphere and is tolerant of low humidity levels, making it well-suited to the average humidity found in most homes and gardens. No specific humidity requirements are needed beyond those of a typical outdoor environment.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place Rue ('Jackman's Blue') in a sunny spot and avoid overwatering.
- Outdoor
  Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil for Rue ('Jackman's Blue').
- Hardiness zone
  4-9 USDA
Life cycle
Common rue or Herb-of-Grace (Ruta graveolens 'Jackman's Blue') begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in warm soil, typically in spring or summer. Once germinated, the seedling emerges with cotyledons before developing true leaves that are blue-green in color. As the plant matures, it forms a bushy, woody perennial structure with multiple stems branching from the base. Rue produces yellow flowers by mid to late summer, which are pollinated by insects, leading to the formation of seed capsules. Once seeds mature, they are dispersed from the dried capsules, which can prompt the cycle to begin anew if conditions are amenable. As an established perennial, common rue can survive for several years, with some plants living up to a decade, going dormant in winter and resuming growth in spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Propogation: Rue, specifically the Ruta graveolens 'Jackman's Blue', is most commonly propagated by seeds, although cuttings can also be used. For seeds, sowing is best done in late winter or early spring, within a well-draining soil mix. Seeds should be surface-sown since they require light to germinate. It's crucial to barely cover the seeds with soil and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Gentle warmth from a heating mat can aid in germination, which typically occurs in 2 to 4 weeks. Cuttings can be taken in summer; select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut a length of about 4 inches (approximately 10 centimeters), ensuring a few leaves are present. Dip the cutting end into rooting hormone, and plant in a mix of peat and perlite. Keep the humidity high and the soil lightly moist until roots establish.