Gro-Low Fragrant Sumac

Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low'

Gro-Low Fragrant Sumac is a native low-growing deciduous shrub with a broad rambling habit.  The trifoliate medium green foliage turns attractive shades of purple, orange, and red in fall.  Tiny yellow flowers bloom on the twig tips in early spring before the foliage emerges.  Male flowers are followed by catkins that last till the next spring, while the female flowers are followed by small clusters of hairy red berries that persist into winter.  Best performance with dry to medium well-drained soils. 

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  Low maintenance plant.  Tolerant of most soils, except poorly drained ones.  No serious pests or diseases, but some susceptibility to leaf spot, rust, scale, aphids and mites. 

LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Naturalized Areas, Woodland Garden, Rock Garden, Foundation Plantings, and containers. 

COMPANION PLANTS: Aster, Blue Mist Spirea, Coneflower

Image 1: Photo by David J. Stang, Rhus aromatica Gro-Low 2zz, CC BY-SA 4.0