I recently got a plant labled "Per. Rue" in a local plant swap. I asked what it was, and the lady said that Rue is an herb. That's all I know about it. Does anyone have any idea on what the 'Per.' might stand for? And does anyone know how tall rue gets? Thanks so much!
Jenny
Rue
perennial?
Yup, perennial. Mine used to get about 18-24". Pretty blueish green plant, nice planted amoung other herbs and flowers for a little different color foliage. Can cause some irritation of the skin if handled fresh.
Barb
yes, I know it's a perennial for my zone, 5a. And the tag also said yellow flowers. Thanks for the info on height Barb. Jenny
I'm growing rue because I'm getting a new couch. Say what?!
I have cats. A few of them are allowed in on occassion. Cats and new furniture = DANGER!
To keep my cats from scratching the edges of the new couch I plan to rub the rue against the upholstery. Cats HATE rue. Rue can also adversly affect sensitive individuals!. Some can get blistering dermatities after touching the leaves, so wear gloves if you're not sure.
The larvae of butterflies however loves Rue for breakfast. It's a good food source for them prior to becoming a butterfly.
rue will do well in zone 5. My plant was pot bound and nasty when I got it, not a pretty sight, but it survived and is now buried among weed and putting up a good fight. The flowers are sulfer yellow buttons - not gorgeous, but the rest of the plant is lovely.
Thanks for all the information on the rue. :o) Jenny
Ok I stole this from another thread that was about "pooped parsley" but turned into a thread about rue and coriander also.
"Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo both claimed that, owing to rue's metaphysical powers, their eyesight and creative inner vision had been improved. Branches of rue were used to sprinkle holy water before high mass, and it was an important strewing herb and antiplague plant. Robbers who stripped plague victims protected themselves with "Vinegar of the four thieves," rue being an ingredient. Rue is shown on the heraldic Order of the Thistle and inspired the design of the clubs in
in playing cards."
-Juli
ok, let me back up a little (great info, Julie), the flowers are little green-yellow five petalled affairs. I get a pic and post it soon. Must have been thinking of something else when I said sulfur yellow buttons. Still, I don't think you would plant rue for it's flowers!
Hi Jenny,
Ruta Graveolens. Here is a nice link http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/r/rue---20.html
I have a beautiful specimen of this plant (and many escapees). I actually love the flowers, which are very popular with the friendly buggies in my area. This year one of my favorite garden memories was of the Rue. A beautiful, fat swallowtail (I think or something similar) catepillar sitting among the flowers. I also keep it around as it is said to ward against evil. I figure that a little extra protection can't hurt :- ) They look terrible after the winter, but cut back the stalks a bit and you will be rewarded with a lovely plant. Enjoy!
Irishbelle thank you. That was a wonderful link!
-Juli