Free Shipping on Orders $199+

Growing Zone: | Garden in
Find your Growing Zone!

Gro - Low Sumac

Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low'

  • Gro-Low Sumac Spreads 6-10 Feet Wide, Perfect for Erosion Control on Slopes
  • Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
  • Grows 2-3 ft Tall, 6-8 ft Wide
  • Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Rabbit Resistant
  • Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees and Butterflies
Regular price $6917
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Out of stock
Plant not supported in Growing Zone. Update address

Unfortunately, this item cannot be shipped to your state.

Shipping to a different address?

Shipping to your area may be delayed due to weather conditions.

Shipping to a different address?

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone
Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: Plant your Gro-Low Sumac in full sun to partial shade for the best results. It tolerates some shade, but full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) will give you the most vibrant fall color and dense growth.
  • Soil: This shrub is incredibly adaptable and thrives in well-drained soil, handling everything from sandy loams to heavier clays. If you have poor, rocky, or dry soil where other plants struggle, Gro-Low is an excellent choice as it is quite forgiving.

Watering Requirements

Water regularly during the first growing season to help the extensive root system establish, checking the soil moisture weekly. Once established, Gro-Low Sumac is highly drought-tolerant and requires very little supplemental water, making it perfect for difficult, dry slopes or xeriscaping. Inconsistent watering during establishment may slow growth, but mature plants handle dry spells with ease.

Pruning Tips

This plant blooms on new wood, so pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. You can rejuvenate the shrub by cutting it back to 4-6 inches above the ground every 3-4 years to keep it dense and vigorous. This hard pruning, often called coppicing, encourages fresh, colorful foliage and maintains a manageable groundcover height.

Fertilizer Needs

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer to support new growth as the season starts. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this can push tender new growth that won't harden off in time for winter, potentially leading to frost damage.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
$199+ FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Specifications

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics Cold hardy, Native, Low Maintenance, Groundcover, Fall Color/Interest, Deer-resistant, Slopes/Erosion Control, Drought resistant, Heat Tolerant, Flowering, Fragrant, Evergreen
Hardiness Zone 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Flower Color Yellow
Foliage Color Green, Other, Red
Height 2-3 ft
Width 6-8 ft
Sunlight Full sun
Growth Habit Compact, Spreading, Upright
Growth Rate Moderate
Native Yes
Fragrant Yes
Blooms In Spring
Preferred Soil Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Watering Needs Low
Botanical Name Rhus aromatica 'Gro-Low'
Class Magnoliopsida
Species aromatica
Cultivar Gro-Low
Does Not Ship To AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zones is Gro-Low Sumac hardy in?

  • Gro-Low Sumac is hardy in USDA planting zones 3 through 9, covering nearly the entire United States. This exceptional cold and heat tolerance makes it reliable for most gardeners. Plant it in your most challenging spots where other shrubs struggle.

How tall and wide does Gro-Low Sumac get at maturity?

  • Gro-Low Sumac reaches 2-3 feet tall and spreads 6-8 feet wide at maturity. This compact, dense growth habit makes it excellent groundcover for large areas since each plant covers significant space. Plan accordingly when spacing plants to avoid overcrowding as it matures.

Does Gro-Low Sumac prefer full sun or can it tolerate shade?

  • Gro-Low Sumac thrives in full sun and actually prefers hot, sunny conditions. This tough native groundcover is specifically designed to handle fierce sun exposure that would stress other plants. Plant it in your sunniest, driest spots for best results.

Is Gro-Low Sumac deer resistant?

  • Gro-Low Sumac is generally deer resistant due to its aromatic foliage and natural compounds. The fragrant 3-leaflet structure that makes this native shrub so appealing to gardeners tends to deter browsing deer. Plant it in your problem deer areas where you need reliable 6-8 foot groundcover spread.

Is Gro-Low Sumac drought tolerant once established?

  • Yes, Gro-Low Sumac is extremely drought tolerant once established and thrives in hot, dry conditions with poor soil. This native shrub was specifically selected for its ability to handle fierce sun and minimal water. Plant it in your most challenging spots and let it spread naturally. Shop drought-tolerant groundcovers at naturehills.com.

Does Gro-Low Sumac have good fall color?

  • Gro-Low Sumac delivers exceptional fall color with orange leaves blazed in plum purple, scarlet, and stunning reddish-purple. This reliable performer transforms poor soil areas into autumn showstoppers across zones 3-9. Plant it in hot, dry spots for maximum impact.

Find Your Garden's Growing Zone!

Your Current Growing Zone:

Zone

ZIP Code:

✓ Growing Zone Set Successfully!

Your zone has been saved and will be used throughout the site.

⚠ Unable to locate a growing zone for that ZIP code.

Please check your ZIP code and try again.

Looking up your growing zone...

When ordering a tree or plant, make sure to know your planting zone.

You can determine your garden's USDA hardiness zone by entering your Zip Code below.