Ephedra, Patchouli, Syrian Rue Culture
Answered by: Inge Poot
Question from: Ryan Castle
Posted on: November 18, 1998

I have purchased a Syrian rue (Peganum harmala) plant from Richters, as well as a patchouli plant among others. I have a few questions regarding the care of these two plants (Soil, watering, light, etc.), and would appreciate any information that you could give me. I do not think that the Syrian Rue is doing too well and need some advice. Also, any info. on the Ephedra plant would be extremely helpful.

Syrian rue (Peganum harmala) is hardy in zones 7 to 9, likes full sun, does best in well-drained to dry and even poor soil. It will get 50 to 90 centimeters tall and 45 to 60 centimeters wide under optimal conditions.

Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli) is a tropical plant, likes sun to half shade, needs rich, moist, well-drained, acid soil and should have high humidity. Under ideal conditions it can get one meter tall and one meter wide. In a pot, it of course remains much shorter.

Ephedra (E. nevadensis) is hardy in zones 5 to 9 (in deserts only - the excess water in winter kills them in the Toronto area). It likes well-drained to coarse, alkaline to neutral soil and even tolerates some salt. It can get 60 to 150 centimeters tall.

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