Plant NOW: Golden Fall Color! Sumac ‘Tiger’s Eye’

 
Photo Credit: Growing is Beautiful

The glorious, gold fall foliage of Sumac ‘Tiger’s Eye’ is a true eye-catcher and crowd-pleaser. It positively glows in the landscape through fall. But don’t let the graceful, delicate appearance of this cultivar fool you; Rhus typhina ‘Bailtiger’ is a stellar performer in a North Texas Garden, and NOW is the time to plant them!

These Sumacs belong to a small class of deciduous shrubs native to Eastern North America. Local artisans in these regions use the leaves and stems of many varieties to make dyes. They have a reputation for their ability to adapt to a wide range of soil types, although they perform best in well-drained beds amended with compost and expanded shale.

 
Photo Credit: Fine Gardening

The Sumac ‘Tiger’s Eye’ matures to a 6 foot tall and wide mound comprised of  feathery, light leaves on furry, coral stems. That adds an extra contrast to the foliage in all its stages of color, whether the red-tinged appearance of new spring growth, the bright green of summer, or the eye-popping gold of fall. The bare winter branches are very sculptural and architectural.

If you have longingly admired the autumn brilliance of Japanese Maples, but have too much sun for them to thrive in your garden, this Sumac could provide that late season color you desire. They will grow in full sun, but will also perform well with a few hours of afternoon shade. They can also be used as a container specimen to stunning effect. Follow NHG’s First Year Care Guide  to get them off to a successful start. At planting time, add a root stimulator such as Carl Pool Root Activator. Little maintenance is required after establishment other than an early summer and a fall application of a balanced, slow release fertilizer like Texas Tee, and some shaping.