How to Grow Evergreen Sumac - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Evergreen sumac is a plant that is native to North America. It is a member of the Anacardiaceae family, which includes poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. The leaves of evergreen sumac are green in color and have a leathery texture. The plant produces small, yellowish-green flowers that grow in clusters. The fruits of the plant are red, oval-shaped drupes.

How to Grow Evergreen Sumac - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Poison ivy
  • Poison oak
  • Poison sumac
  • Toxicodendron radicans
  • Rhus radicans

Good to Know

  • Evergreen sumac is a shrub that can grow to be 10 feet tall.
  • It has dark green leaves that are spirally arranged on the stems.
  • Each leaf is made up of 10-20 smaller leaflets.
  • The small flowers of evergreen sumac are borne in clusters at the ends of the stems.
  • The fruit of the plant is a small, red, hairy drupe.
  • Evergreen sumac is native to the southeastern United States.
  • It is often used as an ornamental plant in landscaping.
  • It can be propagated by seed or cuttings.
  • Evergreen sumac can be susceptible to various pests and diseases.
  • It is generally considered to be a low-maintenance plant.

Related plant:
Best Evergreen Shrubs

Planting Process

  1. For evergreen sumac, first step is to find a sunny location.
  2. Next, dig a hole that is twice the size of the roots ball.
  3. After that, mix in compost or manure with the native soil that was removed from the hole.
  4. Next, place the roots ball in the hole and begin to fill it in with the mixture.
  5. Once the hole is filled,water the newly planted evergreen sumac.
  6. Place a layer of mulch around the base of the plant, being sure not to mound it up on the trunk.
  7. Water regularly, especially during the first growing season.
  8. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  9. Prune in late winter to early spring to shape as needed.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful evergreen sumac!

Related plant:
Flowering Evergreens

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, evergreen sumac (Rhus virens) prefers well-drained soils, but it is tolerant of a wide range of soil types including heavy clay. It is also tolerant of salt and drought once established.

Light condition

Just like other plants, evergreen sumac needs sunlight to grow. However, it is more tolerant to shade than other plants. It can grow in full sun to partial sun. If you want your evergreen sumac to be more compact, then give it more sun. If you want it to be more leggy, then give it less sun.

Good Temperature

The temperature conditions that are necessary for the growth of evergreen sumac are not very demanding. It can grow in both cold and warm weather, although it prefers warmer conditions. It can tolerate freezing temperatures for short periods of time, but it will not do well in prolonged cold weather.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 and 60%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will curl and the plant will become stressed. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will yellow and the plant will be more susceptible to fungal diseases.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, usually the plant doesn't need anything more than what's in the potting mix. If you think it needs a little boost, you can use a general-purpose fertilizer at half strength. Just be sure to flush the fertilizer out of the potting mix every few months to prevent a salt buildup that can damage the roots. The root system is dense and fibrous, so the plant does best in a pot that's not too large. If the pot is too big, the roots will have a hard time getting the nutrients they need.

Light requirement

Pruning the Evergreen Sumac is an essential part of its upkeep. This beautiful ornamental shrub can quickly become overgrown and leggy if left unpruned. To keep your Evergreen Sumac looking its best, prune it back hard every few years in early spring. This will encourage new growth and prevent the plant from getting too large for its space.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of evergreen sumac is typically done through rooting stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from new growth in the spring or summer. Cuttings should be 8-10 inches long and have several leaves.Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone. Stick the cuttings in a potting mix and water regularly. Keep the potting mix moist but not wet. Cuttings should root within 4-8 weeks.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the overall health of the plant. If the plant is actively growing and healthy, it will likely have a high growth rate. However, if the plant is unhealthy or not growing well, its growth rate will be lower. There are a few things you can do to help encourage a high growth rate in your evergreen sumac. Make sure it is getting enough water and nutrients, and that it is not being damaged by pests or diseases. Also, prune it regularly to encourage new growth.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are branch dieback, canker, leaf spots, and rust. These problems are caused by different fungi and can be difficult to control. In order to prevent these problems, it is important to choose a healthy plant and avoid planting in wet or shady areas.

Basics of Growing

  • If you are growing evergreen sumac in a pot, make sure it has drainage holes.
  • Water the plant regularly, but do not overwater it.
  • Place the pot in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
  • Fertilize the evergreen sumac plant monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  • If the leaves of the plant begin to turn yellow, this is a sign of over-fertilization. Cut back on the amount of fertilizer you are using.
  • Watch for pests such as aphids and scale insects. Treat the plant with an insecticide if necessary.
  • Every few years, repot the evergreen sumac plant into a larger pot.
  • Once the plant reaches maturity, it will need little care other than regular watering and fertilizing.
  • Enjoy the beauty

Alternative Plants

  • Evergreen senna
  • Evergreen buckthorn
  • Evergreen solomon’s seal
  • Evergreen larkspur
  • Evergreen candytuft
  • Evergreen azalea
  • Evergreen sweet pea
  • Evergreen dogwood
  • Evergreen woodruff
  • Evergreen gilia

Source:
Evergreen Secondary School
EvergreenStateCollege-Home
Evergreen Education – Evergreen Education & Visa Consultants

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Shrubs Category