Species
Rhus aromaticaFragrant SumacThe Story
Plant Bio
Rhus aromatica is a low-growing, spreading deciduous shrub with three-parted leaves that are aromatic when bruised. It is exceptionally tough, tolerating poor soils and drought, and offers brilliant orange and red fall color.
'Gro-Low' is a popular cultivar selected for its very dense, low-growing, and wide-spreading habit. It is an outstanding groundcover for stabilizing slopes, covering large areas, and naturalizing in difficult sites.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
24 inches
Width
84 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
Long-lived shrub
Native To
Eastern North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic, but can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Bloom period
Early spring – Mid-spring
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site in full sun or light shade with any well-drained soil.
- Space plants 5 to 6 feet apart for groundcover use.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
- Set the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
- Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle.
- Water regularly during the first season to establish a deep root system.
Pro Tip
Plant it where it has room to spread, as it roots where stems touch the ground, forming a dense colony.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide full sun for the best fall color.
- Water deeply but infrequently once established.
- Prune hard in late winter if rejuvenation is needed.
- Allow it to naturalize in informal garden settings.
Don't
- Do not plant in constantly wet or poorly drained soils.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to weak growth.
- Don't worry about deer or rabbits; they typically avoid it.
- Do not confuse it with its toxic relative, poison ivy.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Gro-Low Fragrant Sumac questions
What zones can Gro-Low Fragrant Sumac grow in?
Gro-Low Fragrant Sumac is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Gro-Low Fragrant Sumac deer resistant?
Yes — Gro-Low Fragrant Sumac is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Gro-Low Fragrant Sumac bloom?
Gro-Low Fragrant Sumac typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Gro-Low Fragrant Sumac need full sun?
Gro-Low Fragrant Sumac does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Gro-Low Fragrant Sumac drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Gro-Low Fragrant Sumac handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Rhus to compare
Keep exploring
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Grow Gro-Low Fragrant Sumac with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.