Ruta spp.

rues

Rutaceae

Mediterranean, southwest Asia, Canary Islands

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Fragrant (strong)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 5–9

Overview

Ruta spp. is a genus of about 8–10 evergreen subshrubs and woody-based perennials in the family Rutaceae, native to the Mediterranean region, southwest Asia, and the Canary Islands. Plants form rounded, much-branched mounds 1–3 ft (30–90 cm) tall and nearly as wide, with woody lower stems and herbaceous upper growth. The alternate leaves are two- to three-times divided into small, spoon-shaped segments, blue-green to grey-green and dotted with oil glands that release a pungent scent when bruised. From late spring into summer, branched clusters of four- to five-petalled yellow flowers 0.4–0.8 in (1–2 cm) across open above the foliage, the petals hooded and fringed at the margins. Flowers give way to lobed seed capsules that split to release dark seeds. All parts contain furanocoumarins; contact with the sap followed by sunlight can cause phytophotodermatitis, a blistering skin reaction, and ingestion can cause stomach upset. Ruta spp. grows in USDA zones 5–9 in full sun and sharply drained soil, tolerating drought, heat, and poor stony ground once established. Cold hardiness varies by species, with R. graveolens hardy to about zone 5 and several Canary Island species frost-tender.

Native Range

Ruta spp. is native to the Mediterranean Basin, southwest Asia, and the Canary Islands, growing on dry rocky slopes, garrigue, and open scrub. R. graveolens from southeast Europe has naturalised widely in disturbed ground across Europe, North America, and other temperate regions.

Suggested Uses

Ruta spp. is grown in herb gardens, dry borders, gravel gardens, and Mediterranean-style plantings, where its blue-green foliage contrasts with green-leaved neighbours. The drought tolerance suits xeriscapes and hot, exposed banks. Historically the foliage was used as a strewing herb and in folk medicine, though its toxicity limits modern culinary use.

How to Identify

Recognise Ruta spp. by its blue-green to grey-green, finely divided foliage with rounded leaflet tips and a strong, acrid odour when crushed. The yellow flowers have four or five hooded, fringed petals and a prominent green ovary at the centre. Oil glands appear as translucent dots when leaves are held to the light.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 3'

Width/Spread1' - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering runs from late spring through midsummer, roughly May to July in temperate gardens. Clusters of small yellow flowers open in succession over several weeks at the stem tips. The lobed green seed capsules that follow persist into autumn.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

blue-green to grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand chalk rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Ruta spp. grows in full sun and sharply drained, neutral to alkaline soil, including poor, stony, and dry ground. Established plants tolerate drought and heat and need little supplemental water. Cold hardiness varies by species, with R. graveolens surviving to about USDA zone 5 and tender species limited to zones 8–9. Rich soil and excess moisture produce soft growth and can cause root rot. Plants are raised from seed or semi-ripe cuttings and establish poorly if moved once settled. Sap contact in bright sunlight can blister skin, a risk where plants grow beside frequently used paths.

Pruning

Plants are cut back by about one-third in early spring to remove winter-damaged stems and maintain a compact mound. Shearing after flowering keeps growth dense, though cuts into old bare wood may not resprout. Foliage handled in sunlight can irritate skin.

Pruning Schedule

early spring