Smooth Sumach Tree | Rhus glabra
Glossy leaves and autumn fire
Grown by Mike
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
2 Year Old Tree in a 7.5L Pot
60-80cm inc. pot on arrival
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In stock
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Smooth Sumach Tree
Rhus glabra
- Rhus glabra is known as Smooth or Scarlet Sumach - both names get it right! This compact deciduous variety can be grown as a tree or a shrub and is known for its smooth branches and rich autumn colour. The shiny, blue-green leaves grow up to 45cm long from dark green stems, turning to a warm scarlet in autumn
- Dense conical clusters of tiny yellow-green flowers appear in summer, followed by crimson fruits on female plants in autumn
- The compact size and well balanced shape of this tree make it the ideal backdrop for a border. Alternatively, it makes a great feature plant for a circular bed or large pot
- Fully hardy and easy to grow - plant it in a sunny spot for the best leaf colour
What to expect
Supplied as
Height on arrival
Eventual height
Eventual spread
Flower colour
Habit
Hardiness
Spacing
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
Yes, Smooth Sumach Tree can be grown in a pot initially. Start with a 50cm pot. Depending on its vigour, it may need moving to the ground after a few years. Ensure adequate drainage and water regularly during warm weather above 20°C.
How big does it get?
The Smooth Sumach Tree reaches a mature height of 3 to 4 metres, with a similar spread of 3 to 4 metres, although it can be maintained at a smaller size with regular pruning.
How much sunlight does this need?
Smooth Sumach Tree prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
Smooth Sumach Tree prefers moist, well-drained soil, but is highly adaptable to a variety of garden soil types, withstanding temperatures down to -10°C. Provide a 5cm layer of mulch to protect the roots.
How much watering does this plant need?
Smooth Sumach Tree requires regular watering, especially during its first few years of establishment. Provide approximately 10 to 20 litres of water per week, ensuring the soil remains moist but well-drained. During hot weather above 25°C, increase watering frequency to prevent the roots from drying out.
Will this plant need pruning?
Smooth Sumach Tree should be pruned in late winter or early spring while dormant, removing any dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
How hardy is this plant?
The smooth sumach holds an RHS hardiness rating of H6, making it hardy throughout the UK and able to survive temperatures down to -20°C.
The wider garden
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Meet Mike
Tree-growing skills honed right across the globe
Having started out in Australia, studied in Northern Ireland and volunteered at an organic farm in Sweden, it’s fair to say Mike’s done his fair share of travel on his horticultural journey, so far! Having happily laid down roots here at Roots, Mike is the don behind our tree-growing operation, imparting each and every one of his globally-honed skills to benefit your garden. Grown in our purpose-built nursery, in the ideal climatic conditions of the fertile Vale of Evesham, we’re proud to supply only the happiest, healthiest and hardiest trees.
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