Rhus aromatica Lacette™ ('Fine Textured Compact Select A')

Pollinators: The small flowers of Lacette™ attract a variety of pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies, making it a valuable plant for pollinator gardens.

Birds: Although the plant doesn’t produce large fruit, the dense foliage provides cover and shelter for small birds, especially during the winter months.

Spring to Summer: In spring, Lacette™ produces soft green foliage that provides a gentle, fresh appearance. During late spring or early summer, the shrub produces small, clustered flowers, which are not highly showy but attract pollinators.

Fall: As the cooler weather sets in, the leaves transition to brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red, providing stunning seasonal color before they drop.

Winter: During the winter, the shrub’s form remains intact, offering some visual interest with its clean lines and texture, though it is mostly dormant.

• Leaves: The leaves of Lacette™ are finely textured and are a fresh green during the growing season. The shrub's compact and dense growth habit makes it an excellent choice for ground cover or low hedges.
  
  
• Fall Color: One of the standout features of Lacette™ is its fall color. As temperatures cool, the leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red, making it a highlight of the garden during the fall.
  
  
• Texture: The leaves have a delicate, finely serrated edge, contributing to the soft, airy appearance of the shrub.
  
  

• Flower Description: Lacette™ produces small, inconspicuous clusters of flowers that are yellow-green with hints of red. Though not showy, these flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an important shrub for pollinator-friendly gardens.
  
• Flower Longevity: The flowers bloom for a few weeks, adding a subtle but valuable floral display.
  
  

Best Time to Plant: The best times to plant Lacette™ are early spring after the last frost or fall before the first frost. These planting times allow the shrub to establish its root system before extreme temperatures.

Planting Instructions: Choose a location with well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil, firm it gently, and water thoroughly.

Spacing: Space plants about 3–4 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and to ensure they have room to grow.

• Pruning Time: Prune Lacette™ in early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged wood to maintain the plant’s shape and promote new growth.
  
  
• Pruning Tips: Lacette™ requires minimal pruning. It’s a naturally compact shrub, and light pruning is sufficient to maintain its size and shape. Regular pruning after flowering can help remove spent blooms and improve overall aesthetics.
  
  
• Maintenance Pruning: Prune any long or unruly stems to encourage a fuller, bushier appearance.
  
  

• Watering: Lacette™ requires regular watering, especially during the first year to establish roots. Water deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, Lacette™ is moderately drought-tolerant but performs best with regular moisture. It can withstand dry spells but will thrive with consistent watering during the growing season.
  
  Watering Tip: Be sure to water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.

• Lacette™ thrives in full sun to partial shade. For the brightest foliage color and the best flower production, plant it in full sun, where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In warmer climates, providing some afternoon shade will help protect the plant from excessive heat.
  
  

Lacette™ is not grown for fruit production, but it can be a valuable shrub for cutting flowers for small arrangements or using in dried arrangements. The flowers can be harvested while still fresh, though they are not particularly showy.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, just before the shrub begins to show new growth. This will promote healthy foliage and flowering.

Fertilizer Tip: Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can lead to rapid leaf growth at the expense of flowering. A light application of compost in the spring will also help maintain healthy soil and encourage balanced growth.

• Lacette™ is self-pollinating, so it doesn’t require another plant to produce flowers. However, planting other pollinator-friendly plants nearby can help improve flower production and increase the presence of beneficial insects in your garden.
  
  

Perennials: Pair with perennials such as Hosta, Astilbe, or Heuchera to create a lush, colorful garden with complementary textures.

Shrubs: Combine with other shrubs like Spiraea, Weigela, or Viburnum for a varied, multi-textured border.

Groundcovers: Add groundcovers like Ajuga or Liriope to provide additional color and texture beneath the shrub.