The easy-care rue should not be missing in any Mediterranean herb garden. We will therefore tell you here how to plant and care for the rue.
Rue has a pleasant, musky scent and can be used in many different ways. For example, it goes well with egg dishes, mushroom dishes and fish dishes. But it gives off a really great taste if you brew the rue with hot coffee. Because then the coffee gets an amaretto-like taste, which is why the rue is sometimes even referred to as an amaretto herb.
You can continue to pour hot water over the leaves of the rue, which blooms yellow from the end of June to August, and enjoy it as an extremely aromatic tea drink. This can positively counteract some hot flashes, especially during menopause. But beware: Due to their slightly toxic ingredients, you should only ever use a few leaves!
Warning:
Never drink rue tea during pregnancy. It can lead to miscarriages!
Plant Rue
The perennial rue, sometimes also referred to as garden rue, should only be planted in spring in dry, well-drained soil that is as lean as possible. Always choose a location in full sun.
Hint:
You can also grow a new shrub from cuttings of the parent plant over the winter months, which you can then use outdoors immediately after the ice saints.
Furthermore, the rue, which grows to a height of 40 to 80 centimeters, requires very little water all year round, which is why there should be no waterlogging at the respective location. Rue is therefore also suitable for planting in rock gardens or in combination with lavender and roses.
Care for Rue
» Winter protection:
Every year from autumn and in the winter months, the rue freezes back completely and only a woody base remains. But already in early spring, fresh green twigs sprout from this base again and again.
Rue is only moderately hardy, which is why you should plant the herb during severe frost temperaturesalways need to protect easily. Depending on the climate zone, we recommend piling up the root area with soil, covering the stick with brushwood or completely covering it with garden fleece or jute.
» Fertilize:
Furthermore, rue does not actually need any fertilizer. Only in the spring can you work in a little compost around the planting stock from time to time if necessary.
» Cut:
You can also cut the rue bush into shape in late spring. This should be done moderately, which you can then repeat every year.
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