How many plants:
1 or 2 plants per garden.

Type of plant:
Evergreen perennial.

Best Varieties:
Foliage comes in green, green-blue and variegated.

Sowing:
Grow from cuttings taken in late Summer.

Growing Habit:
Round and compact shrub to 1m high.

Growing Conditions:
The best thing about rue is that you can grow it the poorest of soils. It's especially good in sandy or gravelly soil.

Too much fertiliser leads to rangy, strappy plants that don't keep a compact shape. So save yourself the effort and don't worry about feeding these plants at all.

A slight "haircut" pruning is all that's needed after flowering if it gets too big.

Companions:
Good near roses and raspberries.

Don't plant near basil or cabbage family plants.

Problems:
Dislikes humidity and heavy clay. Rotting of the plant can occur.

Uses:
When grown with ornamentals and vegetables, rue makes a good insect repellent in the garden. The leaves can be steeped to make a direct spray for plant eating insects.