Guidelines for Nurturing and Propagating Sumac Plants
The fragrant sumac, Rhus aromatica, is a low-maintenance, deciduous shrub that adds a touch of beauty and wildlife appeal to any garden.
This aromatic shrub, native to North America, requires little care and no coddling, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Its foliage and twigs exude a powerful fragrance when bruised, attracting a variety of wildlife such as butterflies, luna moths, and numerous birds, including robins, flickers, and turkeys.
In the winter, male catkins remain on the branches, while female flowers produce clusters of red berries that continue to attract wildlife throughout the colder months. The berries are enjoyed by various creatures, including ruffed grouse, raccoons, possums, and chipmunks.
The fragrant sumac is a low-growing shrub, typically reaching between 1 and 3 feet in height, and is quite tolerant when it comes to water and light. It can be grown in full sun or in partial shade, but should not be sited where it will get more than 6 hours a day of direct sunshine. The shrub's main ornamental value comes from deep green leaves that turn glorious shades of red, orange, and purple in fall.
The variety of fragrant sumac described by Teo Spengler grows in France, either introduced there for cultivation or naturally occurring in the region's climate and soil conditions suitable for its growth. The cultivar Konza shows a lovely growth form and serves well as wildlife cover, but it may be more challenging to find for sale compared to the more common Gro-Low fragrant sumac.
The Gro-Low fragrant sumac is extremely tolerant, accepting sun or partial shade, moist or dry soils as long as they are well-drained, and can tolerate drought, erosion, rabbit nibbling, raccoon, opossum, chipmunk activity, and can even thrive near black walnut trees. Gro-Low sumac works well on slopes for erosion control.
When it comes to watering, the fragrant sumac should be irrigated regularly but infrequently. Growing the fragrant sumac in wet soil is a mistake, as lack of drainage can harm the plant. The shrub can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or root cuttings. Seeds require pre-soaking for 24 hours in hot water. Cuttings should be taken in summer, while root cuttings should be taken in December.
Unlike many other plants, the fragrant sumac has no serious insect pest or disease issues. It forms thickets in nature via underground rhizomes and spreads wide thanks to its sprawling branches. The shrub can survive temperatures down to -25 degrees F once dormant.
In conclusion, the fragrant sumac is a resilient, low-maintenance shrub that offers both aesthetic and wildlife benefits. Its vibrant autumn colours, fragrant foliage, and ability to attract a variety of wildlife make it a valuable addition to any garden.
