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Ruta graveolens
Common Rue
An evergreen subshrub with finely divided, strongly scented blue-green leaves. Wear gloves; sap on skin exposed to sunlight can cause skin damage.
Original product and size images are retained below the main image.
All-purpose plant food
Optional extra
Miracle-Gro Liquid Fertilizer for Home Gardening 250ml/1.45L
Optional feed during active growth; dilute to the bottle label and pause when roots are stressed.
Plant characteristics & growing tips
Common Rue · Ruta graveolens
Plant characteristics
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Evergreen perennial subshrub
- Character
- Finely divided blue-green leaves, strongly scented when bruised
- Root medium
- Free-draining, rather dry root zone
- Display
- Evergreen; small yellow flowers mostly in summer
- Supplied size
- Confirm the current supplied size
Hong Kong growing tips
- Gloves
- Wear gloves; sap on skin exposed to sunlight can cause skin damage
- Wet soil
- Avoid soggy soil; standing water can rot the roots
- Labelling
- Pot and label it apart from culinary herbs
- Pruning time
- Prune on dull days or late in the day, in long sleeves
- Rain
- Empty the saucer after heavy rain
- Dogs
- Dogs' skin can also react to sap in sunlight
Planting & styling guide
Settling in & repotting
- Choose a position with full sun to partial shade, away from paths and where children or pets brush past.
- Use a free-draining, rather dry root zone. Keep the original planting depth and drainage clear.
- Wear gloves; sap on skin exposed to sunlight can cause skin damage.
Care in Hong Kong
- Wet soilAvoid soggy soil; standing water can rot the roots
- LabellingPot and label it apart from culinary herbs
- Pruning timePrune on dull days or late in the day, in long sleeves
Plants to pair with it
Arrange in separate pots so light, water and space can be managed for each plant.
Crossostephium chinense
Silvery fine leaves echo the blue-green foliage; both pots like sun and fast drainage.
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Rosemary
Another drought-tolerant herb; keep it in its own labelled pot so the two are never mixed up at harvest.
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Xerochrysum Bracteatum
Papery flowers add colour to the sunny corner; its pot also likes to stay on the dry side, and spent blooms should be removed.
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Compare people and plants for a sense of scale. Refer to your selected option for this product's height.
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Frequently asked questions
Common Rue
Is this the 'chou cao' used in sweet soups?
Hong Kong's Hospital Authority lists 'chou cao' as a common name for rue. The whole plant is toxic and large amounts can cause vomiting and abdominal pain; we do not recommend eating it.
Is it a concern during pregnancy?
Hospital Authority data list miscarriage among the effects of ingestion. Do not eat it if pregnant, and wear gloves when handling.
Does it repel insects?
Insect repelling has not been reliably confirmed and we make no such claim. Never rub the leaves on your skin.
Does it need daily watering?
No. Water thoroughly once the surface dries; it tolerates drought, and constantly wet soil can rot the roots.
From our nursery to your home
The last few
details, taken care of.
We confirm your delivery date by WhatsApp. Tell us about lift access or stairs so we can plan your arrival properly.
estimated delivery
Is delivery included?
Free-delivery thresholds depend on your area and order total: HK$500+ for Tung Chung / South Lantau, over HK$800 for Discovery Bay, and HK$1,000+ for other areas. Check the delivery fee at checkout.
Will you bring it inside?
With lift access, plants can be placed indoors. For walk-up buildings, standard delivery is to the building entrance. Stair carrying is extra and should be arranged in advance.
Can I collect it from the nursery?
Yes. Pickup is available at 20D Lo Wai Village, Pui O, Monday–Saturday, 10am–5pm. Please make an appointment once your order is ready.