rue

Rue (Ruta graveolens) is a hardy species that grows best in well-drained soils in full sun. Regular watering is important for optimum growth. Water rue plants deeply when the top inch of soil is dry. Water in the early morning or late afternoon to minimize leaf scorching from the midday sun. During extended periods of hot, dry weather, provide supplemental watering every 2 to 3 days. Water the entire base of the plant, allowing the water to soak into the root zone. Avoid overhead sprinklers to reduce the risk of diseases associated with high humidity.

Ruta graveolens, commonly known as rue, requires around 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering. It prefers full sun (direct sunlight) during the warmer months, but can tolerate a few hours of morning sun as well. It should be placed in a location that receives plenty of sun in the morning and afternoon but has some shade during the hottest part of the day to protect it from drying out and becoming stressed. As an annual, it should not be exposed to frosty temperatures in the middle of winter, and it should be moved indoors if necessary in order to protect the foliage from the cold.

Rue (Ruta graveolens) should be pruned either in the spring or late fall. In the spring, cut off any damaged stems at the base of the plant. Then, thin out some of the older growth to make room for healthier, newer growth. In the late fall, snip off any dead or diseased stems, then reduce the overall size of the plant by removing 1-fourth to 1-third of the previous year's growth down to a pair of buds. This will help ensure that the shape of the plant is maintained, whereas pruning in the spring sometimes results in a rue with too much foliage.