Rue
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Rue (Ruta graveolens) is one of those extraordinary old herbs that seems to carry centuries of history in its leaves. With beautiful blue-green, finely divided foliage and small yellow flowers held above the plant in summer, it has an unmistakably ancient, almost mysterious character that makes it particularly appealing in traditional, Mediterranean and herb gardens.
Native to southern Europe, Rue has been cultivated since antiquity and has accumulated a remarkable collection of stories along the way. The Romans grew it, it appeared in medieval monastery and physic gardens, and over the centuries it became associated with protection, purification, remembrance and folklore. It even earned the evocative old name “Herb of Grace”, reflecting its long association with religious and ceremonial traditions.
In the garden, Rue forms an attractive shrubby mound of aromatic, glaucous blue-green foliage. Its unusual colour makes a wonderful contrast against greener herbs, while its yellow summer flowers add another layer of interest. It enjoys the same sort of conditions as many Mediterranean herbs: plenty of sunshine and soil that doesn't remain wet through winter.
Rue is perhaps best appreciated today as an ornamental and historical herb rather than a culinary plant. The foliage can cause skin irritation in some people, particularly when combined with sunlight, so gloves are recommended when handling or pruning it.
A fascinating choice for anyone who enjoys plants with a story, Rue brings something rather different to the herb garden — beautiful foliage, ancient history and more than a little mystery.
Plant Information
Botanical name: Ruta graveolens
Common names: Rue, Common Rue, Herb of Grace
Plant type: Evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial/sub-shrub
Approximate height: 60–90cm
Approximate spread: 45–60cm
Position: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soil; particularly suited to lighter and Mediterranean-style conditions
Flowers: Small yellow flowers during summer
Foliage: Distinctive aromatic blue-green foliage
Hardiness: Hardy in much of the UK when grown in a sheltered position with good drainage
Garden uses: Herb gardens, gravel gardens, Mediterranean planting, historical gardens and ornamental borders
Wildlife: Flowers can attract pollinating insects
Care: Avoid waterlogged conditions, particularly during winter. Light pruning can help maintain a compact shape.Please note: Rue is best grown as an ornamental plant. Its sap and foliage can cause skin irritation and increased sensitivity to sunlight in some people, so gloves should be worn when handling it.
Delivery Information
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Sage is a kitchen garden classic, with a delicious musky flavour that is best known as a staple of a great Sunday Roast!
It is evergreen and quite architectural. It looks great through the winter months and will take the worst that the winter can throw at it. We think that the grey foliage looks spectacular on a frosty morning.
It will struggle in waterlogged conditions so please ensure that this variety is in free draining conditions.
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Delivery options explained
Pre-order delivery option
From January to March, customers are able to pre-order herbs for delivery later in spring, to ensure that you receive the unusual varieties that you desire. We begin dispatch of pre-orders from late March, once all items in your order are available for dispatch in one delivery, as some varieties will be available a little later in the year than others. You will receive notification when this dispatch takes place along with tracking information but if you would like an estimated delivery date after placing your pre-order, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Order Now delivery option
From late March to autumn, herbs will be available for immediate dispatch subject to their availability. We dispatch our fresh potted herbs Monday-Wednesday each week to avoid postal delays over the weekend. We aim to dispatch all fresh herb orders in less than seven days, i.e. an order placed Thursday-Sunday would likely be dispatched the following Monday/Tuesday. Orders placed Monday-Tuesday we would aim to dispatch by the Wednesday of that week. We do not dispatch on bank holidays.
If you have a specific dispatch date that you would like us to aim towards, please do not hesitate to let us know. We can't guarantee a particular date but will strive to do our best for you.
Dispatch information
All orders are dispatched via a next day courier, ensuring that your herbs reach you promptly and in good health. For customers in the Highlands, Channel Islands and Northern Ireland this is a 48-hour delivery service.
Please note that we do not offer a collection service. Our site is not suitable to receive visitors and this is a rule that we have to apply universally out of respect to our neighbours and family.
Packaging
We aim to reuse packaging as much as possible. Your herbs will be delivered in taupe recyclable pots. We are moving over to using plastic blister cell packaging which contains at least 90% recycled content and is itself 100% recyclable. These things are important to you and are important to us.Customer satisfaction
Occasionally due to circumstances beyond our control, problems can arise. If you are not satisfied in the condition of your plants upon reaching you, please contact us as soon as possible providing pictures so that we can deal with your enquiry and feedback to our courier service. We will endeavour to ensure a resolution is reached that leaves you satisfied.