About Rhus ovata (Sugar Bush)
This large evergreen shrub, known as Rhus ovata, features thick reddish twigs and glossy, ovate leaves that are slightly folded along the center. At the branch tips, clusters of fuzzy, star-shaped pink flowers emerge, each about ¼ inch wide, releasing a light floral fragrance that attracts bees and butterflies. Blooming from winter through spring, the flowers are followed by sticky, edible fruit that ripens into the summer months. Often growing wider than tall, this variety reaches an average mature size of 6-10 feet in height and 8-10 feet in width.
Origins And Landscape Adaptability
Native to Southern California, Baja California and parts of Arizona growing at elevation heights below 4300 feet. A tough, low maintenance plant, Sugar Bush is easy to grow and very tolerant to severe dry seasons requiring minimal irrigation.
Care And Planting Instructions
Plant Sugar Bush in an area that receives full sun to partial shade but note that it grows quicker in full sun. Using well draining soil, water regularly after planting to help it establish well to its new location. Once established, reduce frequency to as infrequent as once per month. Native to hotter regions of the United States, this variety can tolerate drought-like conditions. Plant each specimen with enough space for it to reach its mature landscape size without invading the growing space of other plants.
Landscape Design Ideas
Planted in multiples, this Sugar Bush shrub is excellent for slopes to work as erosion control for unstable soil. Plant it along a gravel path accented by rock formations among other California Native plants such as Ceanothus Ray Hartman or Aesculus californica.
