The Tiger Eye Sumac (Rhus typhina ‘Bailtiger’) is a striking deciduous shrub valued for its ornamental appeal and vibrant color palette. New growth emerges chartreuse green, quickly maturing to a bright golden-yellow that lasts through summer. In autumn, the deeply cut, fern-like foliage transforms into shades of fiery orange and scarlet, providing a spectacular seasonal display. While this cultivar is smaller and less aggressive than the straight species, it still requires specific management to thrive. Addressing common maintenance concerns is key to enjoying this plant’s dramatic aesthetic.
Managing Aggressive Spreading and Suckering
The sumac family is known for its tendency to spread, and the ‘Bailtiger’ cultivar retains this trait, though to a lesser degree. Spreading occurs because the plant produces rhizomes (horizontal underground stems) which sprout new shoots called suckers. Suckers will still appear and require regular attention to prevent a thicket from forming.
Physical removal is the most common method for managing unwanted suckers. These shoots should be cut or pruned as close to the root source as possible, ideally by tracing the sucker back to the main rhizome and severing the connection. Simply pulling or mowing the suckers often stimulates the rhizome to produce even more new shoots. This process may need to be repeated throughout the growing season to maintain control over the plant’s spread.
For permanent containment, especially in manicured garden beds, installing a non-porous root barrier at the time of planting is highly effective. This barrier, typically plastic or metal sheeting, should be buried vertically around the root zone to physically block the lateral spread of the rhizomes. If suckers are persistent, a targeted chemical application using a non-selective herbicide can be applied directly to the freshly cut surface of the stump. This method carries the chemical directly into the root system, but must be used with caution to avoid damaging the main plant or surrounding vegetation.
Addressing Environmental and Site Stress
The Tiger Eye Sumac is resilient and tolerates a wide range of growing conditions, including poor soils and urban pollution. However, it is susceptible to stress from improper site selection. A primary concern is poor drainage, as the plant does not tolerate standing water or overly wet conditions, which can lead to root rot in heavy clay soils.
Ensure the planting site has well-drained soil, or amend heavy soils with organic matter like compost to improve aeration and drainage. Once established, the sumac is highly drought-tolerant, but prolonged dryness can still cause leaf scorch on the yellow foliage. Occasional deep watering during extended dry spells will prevent this damage and help the plant maintain its vibrant color.
Winter damage is a concern, especially in the colder parts of its hardiness range (USDA Zone 4). The plant’s stems can be susceptible to dieback if temperatures fluctuate widely or if late-season growth does not properly harden off before the first hard freeze. Pruning should be performed in late winter or early spring while the plant is fully dormant, preventing the stimulation of tender new growth vulnerable to late frosts. If severe winter damage occurs, the sumac responds well to a hard, rejuvenating prune, cutting the entire plant back close to the ground to encourage fresh growth.
Identifying and Treating Biological Threats
The Tiger Eye Sumac is generally low-maintenance, but it can encounter a few common biological threats. The most frequent insect pests are aphids and scale insects, which are typically attracted to stressed plants. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects clustering on new growth, while scale insects appear as tiny, immobile bumps on stems and leaves, feeding on the plant’s sap.
A simple solution for managing light infestations is to spray the affected areas with a strong stream of water to dislodge the pests. For persistent problems, horticultural oil or insecticidal soap can be applied, targeting the insects without leaving harmful residues. These treatments are most effective when applied thoroughly, ensuring coverage of the undersides of the leaves and stems where pests often hide.
The cultivar is susceptible to common fungal issues, including leaf spots, rust, and powdery mildew. These diseases are exacerbated by poor air circulation and excessive moisture on the foliage. Prevention involves avoiding overhead watering and ensuring plants are spaced adequately to allow for good airflow. Raking up and disposing of fallen leaf debris at the end of the season is also important, as this material can harbor fungal spores that reinfect the plant the following spring.