Boenninghausenia albiflora aka White Himalayan Rue

Boenninghausenia albiflora belongs to the rue family, Rutaceae. Its native range stretches from Pakistan to Taiwan and Malesia. It grows in forests and scrub across much of Asia. In the Himalayas, it reaches elevations of about 10,800 feet [3,300 metres]. In Nepal, it grows in moist places. Kew classes it as a perennial or subshrub. Plants For A Future describes it as a deciduous shrub.

In gardens, it reaches about 3.3 feet [1 metre] tall and wide. Its leaves have a strong scent. The plant flowers from July to September. Each flower has both male and female organs. The supplied sources give no details about flower shape or fruit. They describe the plant as ornamental, though short-lived. It suits planted beds and the sunny edge of woodland gardens. Its scented leaves add another point of interest.

Choose a warm, sheltered site with good drainage. The soil should stay moist without becoming waterlogged. Sandy and loamy soils suit it. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and alkaline ground, including chalk. It does not grow in shade. Wet soil in winter can cause rot. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 7–10. It also reports cold tolerance of about −5 to −10°C. Severe winters may kill the stems down to ground level. Plants often grow back from the base. A winter mulch helps protect the roots.

Seed and cuttings offer two ways to raise new plants. Sow fresh seed in a greenhouse in autumn. Stored seed can be sown from February to May. Cover the seed only lightly. Germination can take one to three months at 15°C. Keep seedlings in a greenhouse through their first winter. Plant them out after the last expected frost. Take half-ripe cuttings in July or August, using a frame.

Plants For A Future records no known food uses or hazards. This does not establish that the plant is safe to eat. It records traditional leaf treatments for wounds, headaches, scabies, and malaria. The roots also have a recorded use for malaria. These records do not establish medical safety or effectiveness. The plant contains essential oils. Dried leaves have served as a flea repellent. The source does not flag it as weedy.