Plant Min Zone: 3a
Plant Max Zone: 9a
Sunlight: All Day Full Sun, Full Sun, Part Sun, Shade
Water / Rainfall: Low, Average
Soil Quality: Poor, Average
Bloom Season: Spring
Flower Color: Yellow
Berry / Fruit Color: Orangish Red
Spring Foliage Color: Dark Green
Summer Foliage Color: Dark Green
Fall Foliage Color: Reddish Green, Red
Evergreen Foliage: No
Winter Interest: No
Scented Flowers: No
Drought Tolerance: Medium, High
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Low
Humidity Tolerance: Medium
Wind Tolerance: High
Poor Soil Tolerance: Rocky Soils, Sandy Soils, Shallow Soils, Clay Soils, Alkaline Soils (high PH)
Height: 1' - 1.5'
Width: 3' - 5'
Growth Rate: Medium, Fast
Service Life: Long: 5-10 years
Maintenance Need: Almost Zero Maintenance
Spreading Potential: Medium
Yearly Trimming Tips: Trim Shrub to Desired Size in Winter, Spring or Summer: Not Grown for Flowers or Fruit.
Plant Grouping Size: Medium Grouping of 5-10, Mass Planting of 10 or more
Best Side of House: South Exposure, West Exposure, East Exposure, North Exposure
Extreme Planting Locations: Survives Under Roof Overhang, Root-Bound Soils Under Tree, Top of Retaining Wall Locations, Survives Severe Drought, Tolerates Extreme Heat, Resistant to Rabbits
Ornamental Features: Multiple Seasons of Interest, Exceptional / Colorful Foliage
Special Landscape Uses: Erosion Control, Naturalizing, Hedge Row
Possible Pest Problems: Foliage Disease, Root Rot Disease, Weed Competition
Plant Limitations: Sometimes Mistaken as Weed, Lack of Ornamental Features
Gro-low sumac (Rhus aromatica 'Gro-low') is a dwarf spreading cultivar of Rhus aromatica native to much of the central United States including Kansas. It features bright green leaves that turn brilliant red in the fall. Light yellow flowers and occasional red berries are also ornamental features. This sumac is commonly grown as a spreading groundcover shrub for difficult areas. It will grow in full sun or full shade in medium to dry soils including dry-shade. However, fall color is quite a bit reduced in full shade. In the landscape, it is commonly used as large mass planting on hills. Because of its tolerance for adverse conditions including poor soil and rock, it is often one of the last resort plants that will survive in certain areas. It competes well under large shade trees and helps absorb leaf litter allowing it to break down and add nutrients back to the soil. It is important to keep on the dry side to discourage root rot disease. This plant also does well in hot dry parking lot islands or along busy roads. Plants adapt well to hot south or west sides of the house enduring temperatures of over 100 degrees F with no foliage burn. Plants can also be planted on the north side of a house being extremely cold hardy with no winterkill. Another great spot is planting on top of a retaining wall allowing it to cascade down. We do not recommend planting in small areas or in spaces that it will overrun neighboring plants. Unlike other sumac, it only spreads above ground as horizontally growing stems touch the ground and root. This does make maintenance easier to control the spread of the plant versus digging out rhizomes. Considered one of the most versatile and best plants for solving your most difficult landscape challenges.