Low-grow sumac varieties are valued in garden landscapes for their attractive foliage, vibrant fall color, and adaptability. These shrubs provide excellent groundcover and help manage erosion on slopes, making them a popular choice. Companion planting with low-grow sumac enhances a garden’s health and visual appeal, fostering beneficial relationships between plants for a more robust ecosystem.
Characteristics of Low Grow Sumac
Low-grow sumac cultivars, like Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ and Rhus glabra ‘Laciniata’, are resilient deciduous shrubs with a spreading habit. ‘Gro-Low’ typically reaches 1 to 2 feet tall and spreads up to 8 feet wide, forming dense groundcover. ‘Laciniata’ can grow taller, up to 12 feet, with a similar spread, known for its finely cut, fern-like leaves. Both display glossy green foliage that transitions to striking orange, red, and purple in autumn.
These sumacs thrive in full sun to partial shade and adapt to well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant once established, suiting low-water landscapes. A notable characteristic is their vigorous spread by root suckers, forming colonies. This spreading habit is important when selecting companion plants to ensure effective coexistence.
Principles for Selecting Companion Plants
Successful companion planting with low-grow sumac requires choosing plants that share similar environmental needs and complement its growth habits. Compatible plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-drained soil, aligning with sumac’s drought tolerance once established.
Consider the mature size and growth habit of companions to prevent overcrowding or resource competition. Plants with different forms, like upright perennials or smaller groundcovers, create visual interest and use space efficiently. Select non-invasive plants that won’t aggressively compete with sumac’s suckering nature or impede its spread. Incorporating native plants can enhance biodiversity and support local wildlife.
Recommended Companion Plant Examples
Many plants harmonize well with low-grow sumac, sharing its preference for sunny, well-drained conditions and offering complementary textures or colors.
Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses like Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) are excellent companions due to their upright form and drought tolerance, contrasting with sumac’s spreading habit. Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) also offers fine texture and adapts well to dry conditions.
Sun-Loving Perennials
Sun-loving perennials that withstand dry periods are good choices. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) adds vibrant daisy-like blooms from summer into fall, attracting pollinators and thriving in full sun with average to dry soil. Salvia, including ‘May Night’ or ‘Caradonna’, provides purple or blue flower spikes and is known for drought resistance and long bloom. Stonecrop (Sedum species), especially upright varieties, offers succulent foliage and late-season blooms that contrast with sumac’s leaves, being highly drought-tolerant.
Other Suitable Companions
Other suitable companions include Catmint (Nepeta), a low-growing perennial with aromatic foliage and long-lasting lavender-blue flowers that tolerates dry conditions and attracts beneficial insects. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia), with its cheerful red and yellow daisy-like flowers, is a robust, drought-tolerant option thriving in full sun and poor soils. For groundcover beneath taller sumac, a low-growing sedge can provide a fine-textured carpet.
Establishing and Maintaining Your Companion Garden
When planting low-grow sumac and its companions, proper spacing allows each plant to reach its mature size. Initially, consistent watering helps plants establish robust root systems, especially during their first growing season. Once established, the combined planting will be very drought-tolerant, requiring less frequent irrigation.
Applying organic mulch around plants helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. Mulching also contributes to a tidy appearance and reduces manual weeding. This garden type requires minimal pruning. For sumac, occasional removal of unwanted suckers manages spread. Perennials may benefit from deadheading or cutting back after flowering to encourage rebloom or maintain shape. These practices ensure enduring beauty with little ongoing effort.