Fragrant Sumac
Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low'
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.
The 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.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Fragrant Sumac questions
What zones can Fragrant Sumac grow in?
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 Fragrant Sumac deer resistant?
Yes — Fragrant Sumac is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Fragrant Sumac bloom?
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 Fragrant Sumac need full sun?
Fragrant Sumac does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Fragrant Sumac drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Fragrant Sumac handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
