Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ – Low-Growing Aromatic Sumac

Description and General Information

• Botanical Name: Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’

• Common Name: Gro-Low Fragrant Sumac

• Plant Type: Deciduous, low-growing shrub

• Growth Habit: Dense, spreading groundcover shrub forming a thick carpet of foliage.

• Height & Spread: Typically reaches 60–90 cm in height, spreading 1.5–2 metres wide, making it excellent for covering slopes or large areas.

• Foliage: Aromatic, glossy green leaves divided into three leaflets, turning shades of brilliant orange, red, and burgundy in autumn.

• Flowers: Small, yellowish catkin-like blooms in spring, not highly ornamental but attractive to pollinators.

• Fruit: Red, hairy drupes appear after flowering, persisting into winter and providing food for wildlife.

• Seasonal Interest:

  • Spring: Fresh green foliage and subtle blooms.

  • Summer: Lush, aromatic greenery with excellent coverage.

  • Autumn: Brilliant, fiery leaf colour.

  • Winter: Persistent berries and structural stems.

• Garden Uses:

  • Popular as a groundcover, erosion-control plant, or slope stabiliser.

  • Works well in wildlife gardens, rock gardens, or informal landscapes.

  • A hardy, low-maintenance option for covering difficult spots where other shrubs may fail.

• Wildlife Value: Flowers attract bees, while fruits provide food for birds and small mammals.

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements:

  • Thrives in full sun to partial shade.

  • Best autumn colours occur in full sun.

• Soil Preferences:

  • Adaptable to a wide range of soils, from sandy to clay-based.

  • Prefers well-drained soils but tolerates poor, rocky ground.

• Moisture Needs:

  • Extremely drought-tolerant once established.

  • Avoid waterlogged soils, which may cause root issues.

• pH Range:

  • Tolerant of acidic, neutral, and alkaline soils.

• Planting Time:

  • Best planted in spring or autumn for strong root establishment.

• Spacing:

  • Plant 1.5–2 metres apart when used as groundcover for effective coverage.

• Positioning Tips:

  • Excellent for slopes, embankments, or sunny borders.

  • Ideal for low-maintenance areas needing reliable year-round interest.

Routine Care and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water well in the first year after planting to establish roots.

  • After establishment, it requires minimal additional watering except in prolonged droughts.

• Feeding:

  • Generally thrives without regular feeding.

  • A light application of balanced fertiliser in spring can boost growth if soils are poor.

• Pruning:

  • Low-maintenance shrub requiring little pruning.

  • Lightly trim to shape or control spread if needed, preferably after flowering.

  • Remove any dead or damaged stems in spring.

• Mulching:

  • Apply organic mulch around the base in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

  • Avoid piling mulch against stems.

• Pests and Diseases:

  • Highly resistant to most pests and diseases.

  • Rarely troubled, making it ideal for low-care landscapes.

• Winter Care:

  • Fully hardy and withstands frost, snow, and cold winds.

  • Requires no special winter protection.

• Longevity:

  • Long-lived and very durable once established, offering decades of landscape value.

✨ Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ is a rugged, attractive, and versatile shrub that brings year-round structure, autumn brilliance, and reliable groundcover to gardens. Its drought tolerance, hardiness, and minimal care needs make it an ideal choice for both private and public landscapes.

• Size
  3.6lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.