Wall Rue

Wall Rue Care

Asplenium Ruta-muraria

What is the plant

Asplenium ruta-muraria is a species of fern commonly known as wall-rue (but which, as a fern, is not by any means closely related to common rue). In Germany, it is known as Mauerraute or Mauerstreifenfarn. It is a very small epipetric species, growing exclusively on limestone and other calcareous rocks. Its fronds are bluish-green and are heavily sub-divided, becoming up to 12cm in length.

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Shade

Hardiness zone

5 - 9

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Common rue is very drought tolerant and is a good candidate for a xeriscape or rock garden. Do not irrigate rue, except for periods of extensive dry weather.
Pruning
Rue is a woody perennial that flowers in late spring on fresh, new wood, so the standard practice is to trim the stems down to old wood in early spring, before new growth begins. Old, woody plants benefit from especially hard pruning.
Fertilizer
Do not fertilize rue plants. Excess nutrients will cause the plants to produce more foliage at the expense of the flowers.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Rue flowers grow best in full sun, but part shade is also tolerated. Plants will produce fewer flowers in the shade
Soil
Good, fast drainage is important for healthy rue plants. Add sand, perlite, or vermiculite to the soil to help drainage. Use raised beds with prepared soil in gardens where heavy clay dominates.
Additional
Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable. Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase