Shining sumac
Rhus copallina · Anacardiaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around shining sumac and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Summer (June to August)
- Adult size
- 2 to 4 m in height and width
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-20 °C)
- Origin
- North America
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerant to acidity
Care
Sunlight exposure
Install shining sumac in full sun for optimal fall coloration. It tolerates partial shade but produces fewer flowers and develops a less spectacular autumn hue. Avoid overly shaded areas where its vigor diminishes.
Watering
Water regularly the first year to establish the root system. Once established, shining sumac is very drought-tolerant and requires water only during prolonged rainless periods. In containers, keep the soil slightly moist in summer.
Soil
Shining sumac adapts to most soils, including poor and rocky ones. It prefers good drainage to prevent root suffocation. Slight soil acidity is beneficial, but it also tolerates chalky and neutral soils.
Pruning and cutting
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a harmonious shape. Remove dead or diseased branches in late winter. Avoid drastic pruning that slows growth. Shining sumac recovers well and can be rejuvenated by moderate pruning.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is not essential if the soil is adequate. You can enrich the soil with compost in spring at planting time. Mineral applications are reserved for very poor soils, in moderation.
Diseases and pests
Shining sumac is very robust and rarely susceptible to diseases. Occasionally watch for aphids or scale insects in case of prolonged water stress. Good drainage prevents root rot. No major issues expected under normal conditions.
Did you know?
Shining sumac owes its scientific name 'copallina' to the brilliant resin covering its leaflets, historically used to produce copal, a precious gum in lacquer and varnish. In autumn, its foliage turns a brilliant red to golden orange, rivaled by few North American shrubs.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.