94 gardener saves
Rhus: the varieties gardeners actually grow
We track 5 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 5 most-saved Rhus varieties
Of 5 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedFragrant Sumac
Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low'
#2 most savedSmooth Sumac
Rhus glabra
#3 most savedFragrant Sumac
Rhus aromatica
Shining Sumac
Rhus copallinum
Autumn Amber Prostrate Three-leaf Sumac
Rhus trilobata 'Autumn Amber'
How to grow Rhus
What the Rhus varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Rhus year
- PruneJanuary and February100% of varieties
Prune in late winter only to remove dead wood or control spread.
- PlantMarch, April, September and October80% of varieties
Plant in spring or fall. Tolerates a wide range of soils.
Do
- Plant it on a difficult slope where nothing else will grow.
- Crush a leaf to enjoy its citrusy, spicy fragrance.
- Allow it to sucker and form a natural thicket.
- Enjoy the spectacular fall color display.
- Use it in parking lot medians or other harsh urban sites.
Avoid
- Don't plant it in a small, formal garden bed unless you plan to control its spread.
- Avoid overwatering or planting in constantly wet, boggy soil.
- Don't fertilize; this can lead to weak growth.
- Don't confuse it with Poison Ivy; Fragrant Sumac has fuzzy red berries and aromatic leaves.
What goes wrong with Rhus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Scale Insects | Can occasionally be found on stems. | Usually controlled by natural predators. If necessary, use horticultural oil during the dormant season. |
| None significant | This plant is remarkably free of serious pest problems. | No action is typically required. Its toughness is one of its best attributes. |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on leaves, stippled or yellowed foliage, especially in hot, dry weather. | Spray forcefully with water to dislodge them. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil for heavier infestations. |
| Aphids | Clusters of small insects on new growth. | A strong spray of water can dislodge them. Use insecticidal soap for heavier infestations. |
| Leaf Spot | Small, dark spots on leaves, which may merge and cause leaf drop in severe cases. | Improve air circulation. Rake up and destroy fallen leaves. Fungicides are rarely necessary. |
| Canker | Can cause some stem dieback on older plants. | Prune out and destroy affected stems. The plant's suckering nature means the colony will persist even if individual stems die. |
| Leaf Spot/Rust | Occasional cosmetic spots on leaves in very humid conditions. | Generally not a problem requiring treatment. Ensure good air circulation. Rake fallen leaves if desired. |
Making more Rhus
Transplanting Suckers
- In early spring, identify a rooted sucker at the edge of a colony.
- Use a sharp spade to sever the connecting root.
- Dig up the sucker with as much root as possible.
- Replant immediately in a new location and water well until established.
Seed
- Collect berries in fall and clean the seed.
- Seeds require scarification (nicking the seed coat) and cold stratification.
- Plant in fall or stratify for 60-90 days before spring planting.
Rhus questions
How many types of Rhus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 5 distinct Rhus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 94 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Rhus grow in?
Across its varieties, Rhus covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Rhus bloom?
Most Rhus varieties bloom in early spring, early summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Rhus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Design with Rhus in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
