Ruta graveolens - Ferme de Sainte Marthe seeds

Common Rue (Ruta graveolens) is a perennial aromatic and medicinal plant, with blue-green foliage and beautiful summer flowering in sulphur yellow. Its very particular smell is reputed to repel unwanted guests in the house and garden. It is also used in cooking, but sparingly as its bitter taste is strong. It can be sown from February to April.

Common Rue, sometimes called Stinking Rue, Stinking Herb, Garden Rue or Herb of Grace, is a perennial plant belonging to the Rutaceae family. It forms a ramified undershrub which can reach 80cm (32in) in height and 70cm (28in) in width. Its blue-green foliage is composed of lobed leaves. It displays small flowers (about 1cm) in sulphur yellow composed of 4 to 5 petals and large stamens, from June to September. It is perfectly hardy, at least down to -15°C (5°F).

Highly prized by the Romans, common in medieval gardens and much appreciated in Britain, Stinking Rue is best known for its smell, which is somewhat nauseating and difficult to describe but leaves no one indifferent. To be honest, we have it in our garden and we don't find it particularly "stinky". Its scent is certainly unusual but it does not diffuse in an unpleasant way, and once the surprise has passed, you can even find it quite pleasant, with a hint of coconut.

Rue is sometimes used in cooking, sparingly, to add a touch of bitterness to omelettes, white meats, etc. But it is mainly in the garden and at home that it finds its use: planted around the vegetable garden or in a flowerbed, it repels cats who often take great pleasure in scratching in mulches or the location of new plantings. Bouquets or sachets of dried Rue leaves repel ants, mice and moths in the house.

Rue is also used as a medicinal plant for its tonic, stimulating and vermifuge properties. But be careful, it can be toxic and should only be used by those who are knowledgeable.

In the garden, Common Rue thrives in the sun, in ordinary, dry and even rocky soil. It is not afraid of limestone or scorching heat and is one of those plants that laugh at adversity - the more difficult the conditions, the more it shines. It can be placed in an area reserved for aromatic and medicinal plants, or in a perennial flowerbed as it is also ornamental.

Harvest: The first harvest is done one year after sowing, simply by taking a few stalks.

Storage: The plant can be stored in sachets once it is well dried.

Gardener's tip: Some plants, including Rue, are photosensitizing. In summer remember to protect your hands when gardening nearby, as its action combined with sunlight can cause burns.

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