About

This compact, deciduous, suckering tree with intricately divided foliage which emerges green, turning to golden yellow then orange and red as autumn approaches. Less suckering than other varieties of Sumach but is still a potential nuisance plant. Greenish-yellow flowers appear from June to August followed by dense clusters of red fruits in the 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 typeTrees
HabitSuckering, Columnar upright, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Patio and container plants

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 may be necessary, in winter
PropagationGrow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to obtain best autumn colour. Suckering in habit and is a potential nuisance plant
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus, coral spot and Verticillium wilt