About
Female plants produce cones of small, yellowish-green flowers from late spring into early summer which are followed by pyramidal clusters of deep red fruits. An open, spreading, suckering deciduous shrub or small tree eventually reaching a height of around 4m and spread of up to 6m. Fern-like, deeply-dissected green leaves with up to 27 leaflets turn brilliant shades of red, yellow and orange in autumn.
About the genus
Rhus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or trees with simple, pinnate or palmately-divided leaves often colouring brilliantly in autumn, and inconspicuous yellow flowers in spring or summer, followed by small, spherical red fruits in dense clusters
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitSuckering, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Coastal
Native toEastern N America
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to obtain best autumn colour. Suckering in habit and has the potential to become a nuisance
PruningPruning group 7; sucker removal if necessary, in winter
PropagationPropagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus, coral spot and Verticillium wilt