The Plant Guide

Browse the Full Plant Guide

‘Gro-Low’ fragrant sumac

Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’

rus air-oh-MAT-ih-kah

This vigorous shrub hugs the ground (to 2 feet tall) and spreads out to 8 feet, making it an excellent choice for stabilizing a bank or smothering weeds. It has small yellow flowers, hairy red fruits, and glossy leaves that change to gorgeous orange-red in autumn.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsBeautiful fall color; fast, compact growth

CareGrow in average, moist but well-drained soil in full sun for best fall color.

PropagationDivide suckers when dormant, or sow seed in autumn. Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer or root cuttings in winter.

ProblemsPowdery mildew, wood rot, verticillium wilt, leaf spot, blister, canker, dieback, caterpillars, scale

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Lee Valley Garden Knife

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

These knives have a trowel-like blade with a sharp edge to let you use the same tool for digging, planting and cutting. The blade is sharpened on both sides, with serrations on one edge to help with cutting tough roots or dividing perennials. Deeply stamped markings on the blade (in 1/2" and 5mm increments) help you set the correct planting depth for seeds and bulbs.
Buy at Lee Valley

Scotts Cordless Grass-Shear/Shrub-Trimmer Combo

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

With a built-in 7.2-volt lithium-ion battery, this little guy weighs less than 2 lb. and can zip through all your minor pruning tasks quickly and easily.
- 13.5 x 3 x 5 inches
- Uses a 7.2-Volt 2Ah high-capacity built-in lithium-ion battery; Includes a fast charger
Buy at Amazon

Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Pruning Simplified shows you exactly how to do it. This must-have guide offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. Profiles of the 50 most popular trees and shrubs—including azaleas, camellias, clematis, hydrangeas, and more—include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will ensure you make the right cut the first time.
Buy at Amazon
  • Genus : Rhus
  • Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
  • Zones : 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Plant Width : 6 to 10 feet
  • Tolerance : Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant, Frost Tolerant
  • Moisture : Dry to Medium
  • Growth Rate : Fast
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Uses : Ground Covers
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Characteristics : Showy Fall Foliage, Showy Fruit, Showy Seed Heads
  • Plant Type : Shrubs
  • Bloom Time : Spring
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
  • Flower Color : Yellow

Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members

Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.

Start Free Trial

Already a member?

X

Related Plants

Related Articles

More From the Plant Guide

Search our database of 1738 Plants

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Fine Gardening Magazine

Fine Gardening - Issue 223
Gardening: The Original Outdoor Living | Letter from the Editor
Fine Gardening – Issue 222
February Does Have a Purpose After All | Letter from the Editor
Fine Gardening – Issue 221
Tips for Upcycling Garden Trash into Useful Tools
Fine Gardening – Issue 220
End-of-Season Regrets | Letter from the Editor
Fine Gardening

Follow

Newsletter

Membership & Magazine

Taunton Network

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.