Meet Bob’s Siblings

Last July, I posted Meet Bob, announcing that my tiger eyes sumac, (Rhus typhina ‘Baltiger’ Tiger Eyes) had its first bright red baby.

This July, at five years old, my sumac now has ten, count ‘em, ten babies (or bobs).  Tiger also is suckering some, but she’s not out of control.  While other varieties of sumac sucker to the point of weediness, Tiger is better behaved.

My friend and fellow plant geek, Steve Aegerter, points out that planting tiger eyes sumac in unamended soil will reduce suckering.

Tiger is currently five feet high and wide.  Her mature size is reportedly six feet high and wide.

This drought-tolerant specimen really pops in the garden, both during the summer when she’s chartreuse and in the fall when she’s fiery red.  Right now, her lacy chartreuse foliage contrasts beautifully with her bright red, almost maroon, bobs.

The bobs will last until next year, providing winter interest to the garden.

If you’re looking for a showy tree or shrub that’s easy to grow, take a look at Tiger.  She won’t disappoint, whether in sun or part shade.