Rhus
Sumac, Taaibos
- Height × spread
- 2m – 5m × 2m – 6m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around 200 species of Rhus and they are grown for their handsome large leaves, which take on superb autumn tints of red and orange. Some varieties have columnar 'flowers' that are in fact the fruits, the flowers being fairly unnoticeable. Some forms of Rhus grow into quite large, picturesque trees that can reach as much as 12 metres in height. This genus includes the notorious 'Poison Oak' of the USA. ; Hazardous: CAUTION Rhus species diversiloba, radicans, rydbergii, striata, succedanea, toxicerum, verniflua and vernix are poisonous if eaten. Skin contact commonly causes severe blistering dermatitis.
- Flower colour
- Green, Red
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan, Round
- Height
- 2m – 5m
- Spread
- 2m – 6m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Seaside garden, Gravel garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Structural, Rabbit resistant, Bee attraction, Bird attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Winter
Winter · Planting
Remove suckers
Remove any suckers that have appeared round the base of the plant. They can often be pulled up, but it may be necessary to use secateurs or loppers to detach them from the parent plant.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water some varieties differently
Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for water. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for watering guidance.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.