Yellow Rue (Ruta graveolens), also known as Herb of Grace, is a fragrant, evergreen perennial that has been valued for centuries for its medicinal properties and ornamental appeal. Known for its bright yellow flowers and aromatic, pungent leaves, Rue adds a distinct touch to herb gardens and landscapes. This hardy plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and its ability to repel pests makes it a great companion in vegetable and herb gardens. The plant’s aromatic foliage and yellow blooms are also perfect for use in traditional remedies and as a unique addition to gardens.

Key Features:

• 50 Seeds: A packet of 50 high-quality seeds to grow Yellow Rue, providing ample opportunities to cultivate this fragrant herb in your garden.
• Fragrant Evergreen Foliage: Rue’s strong, aromatic leaves give off a distinct fragrance, adding a pleasant herbal scent to your garden year-round.
• Bright Yellow Flowers: In late spring to summer, Rue produces small, bright yellow flowers that contrast beautifully with its blue-green, fern-like leaves.
• Hardy and Evergreen: Rue is an evergreen plant, providing year-round interest with its aromatic foliage. It is hardy and drought-tolerant once established.
• Pest Repellent: Rue has natural pest-repellent properties, making it a great companion plant in vegetable and herb gardens. It can help ward off insects like aphids and caterpillars.

Growing Information:

• Light Requirements: Yellow Rue thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It needs at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth.
• Soil Preferences: Rue prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate poor, dry soils. It does best in soil with a slightly alkaline to neutral pH.
• Planting Tips:
  • Sowing Depth: Sow seeds on the surface of the soil or lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil, as Rue seeds require light to germinate.
  • Indoor Sowing: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Place seeds in a seed tray with a light covering of soil and keep moist until germination occurs.
  • Outdoor Sowing: Direct sow outdoors after the last frost, spacing seeds 6-12 inches apart to allow room for growth. Rue can also be grown from cuttings or transplants.
  • Watering: Water regularly, but avoid overwatering, as Rue is drought-tolerant once established. It prefers dry to medium moisture levels.
• Growth Habit: Rue typically grows to 18-24 inches tall and spreads 12-18 inches wide. Its bushy, rounded shape adds structure to herb gardens.

Uses:

• Traditional Medicinal Uses: Rue has a long history of use in herbal medicine, particularly in Europe and Asia. It has been used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, menstrual problems, and as a mild sedative. However, Rue should be used with caution as it can be toxic in large amounts.
• Insect Repellent: Rue has been used as a natural insect repellent. It’s often planted near vegetable gardens, flower beds, or in containers to help keep pests away.
• Culinary Uses: Rue has a strong, bitter flavor and is sometimes used in small quantities in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly in stews and soups. It’s not commonly used in modern cooking, but it has a historical presence in flavoring dishes.
• Crafts and Decor: Rue’s bright yellow flowers and attractive evergreen foliage make it a great ornamental plant. The dried leaves can also be used in herbal sachets and potpourri.

Care Tips:

• Pruning: Prune back the plant after flowering to maintain its shape and to encourage new growth. Rue responds well to pruning, and cutting back spent blooms can also help prevent self-seeding.
• Protection: Rue can be sensitive to frost during its first year of growth. If planting in colder zones, protect the plant during winter by covering it with mulch or planting in a pot that can be brought inside.
• Avoid Direct Contact: Rue's oils can cause skin irritation in some people, so it’s important to handle the plant with gloves, especially when pruning or harvesting.

Additional Benefits:

• Natural Pest Control: Rue is a great companion plant for repelling unwanted pests like aphids, fleas, and caterpillars.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Its evergreen nature and unique yellow flowers make Rue an attractive addition to any garden, especially when planted in herb gardens or as an ornamental shrub.

Growing Zones:
Yellow Rue is hardy in USDA zones 4-9. It is best suited for growing in temperate climates but can also be grown in containers and brought inside during colder months for winter protection.

Conclusion:
Yellow Rue (Ruta graveolens) is a versatile and striking herb with a rich history of medicinal, culinary, and ornamental uses. With its fragrant evergreen foliage, bright yellow flowers, and natural pest-repellent qualities, Rue is a great addition to herb gardens, as well as vegetable and flower beds. With 50 seeds in each packet, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to grow this beautiful and useful plant. Whether you use it for its historical medicinal properties, its culinary potential, or its ability to attract pollinators and repel pests, Yellow Rue is a great herb to have in any garden.