I'm messing with Rue Ruta graveolens this season. I've had the plant before, and it should be in an 18th c herb garden. I picked up a start last summer, planted and it has done fine, staying green all winter. I have started some seeds, 2 different batches (seed from Horizon Herbs), and have about 8 in 4" pots now. Another plant said to be hard to germinate but I guess my crude system is working as the rate is decent.
In reading odds and ends here and there, think it could be a good one. It is reported to help repel aphids, whiteflies and thrips in the garden. I could use several pots amongst the herbs, especially for whitefly and thrips! It is also a host plant for the swallowtail butterfly. I am sure one fast growing caterpillar could eat much of one plant, but worth having some.
The leaves can be an irratant when touched for some.