Common rue Ruta graveolens
Common rue (Ruta graveolens) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Rutaceae family, native to Balkans and southeast Europe. It grows 60–90 cm (24–35 in) tall and 60–90 cm (24–35 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -29 °C (-20 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
Plan Common rue in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Common rue at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Mature height | 60–90 cm (24–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 60–90 cm (24–35 in) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -29 °C (-20 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 7–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Balkans and southeast Europe |
| Common in gardens of | 🇫🇷 France, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Common rue toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: sap, leaves
Furanocoumarins in the sap cause severe blistering on skin in sunlight, and ingestion is toxic; wear gloves when handling.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Common rue
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Sweet orange: Asian citrus psyllid spreads huanglongbing (citrus greening) between citrus and relatives such as orange jasmine (Murraya). Keep new citrus away from infected or neglected hosts. Evidence B
Questions about Common rue
- How far apart should I plant Common rue?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60–90 cm (24–35 in).
- Does Common rue need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Common rue need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Common rue?
- It tolerates about -29 °C (-20 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Common rue flower?
- From about June for 7–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Common rue poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Furanocoumarins in the sap cause severe blistering on skin in sunlight, and ingestion is toxic; wear gloves when handling.
- What grows well with Common rue?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Common rue. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Sap causes phytophotodermatitis; handle in the evening or with gloves. Semi-evergreen woody-based perennial.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon tree (dwarf) Citrus limon
- Curry tree Murraya koenigii
- Kaffir lime Citrus hystrix
- Sweet orange Citrus x sinensis
- Mandarin orange Citrus reticulata
- Persian lime Citrus x latifolia
- Key lime Citrus x aurantiifolia
- Grapefruit Citrus x paradisi