About

Rhus glabra, the smooth sumach, is a suckering shrub with smooth, upright shoots and leaves to 45 cm long with dark-red stems and shiny, blue-green leaflets that turn rich red in autumn. Dense, conical clusters of tiny, yellow-green flowers are borne in summer, followed by spherical red berries on female plants. A bold and ornamental shrub for a sunny, well-drained border.

About the genus

Rhus, the sumachs, are deciduous or evergreen shrubs and trees with simple, pinnate or palmately divided leaves that often colour brilliantly in autumn, inconspicuous yellow flowers in spring or summer and small, spherical, red fruits in dense clusters. Popular ornamental plants for sunny, well-drained positions.

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy, Suckering
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Coastal

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to obtain best autumn colour. Suckering growth means that it has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
PruningPruning group 7
PropagationPropagate by seed, or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus, coral spot and Verticillium wilt