Smokebush

Cotinus coggygria

Cultivars: 'Royal Purple', 'Grace', 'Golden Spirit'

Smokebush is a bold ornamental shrub known for its dramatic foliage and airy summer flower plumes that create a smoky, cloud-like effect around the plant. Its rounded to upright form makes it a strong focal shrub in landscape beds, and many cultivars offer deep purple or chartreuse foliage that holds color throughout the season. In summer, the soft, hazy flower clusters add movement and texture, while fall brings warm tones of orange, red, and gold. Smokebush works well as a specimen plant, backdrop shrub, or in mixed borders where strong color contrast is desired.

Plant Characteristics
Genus
Cotinus
Species
Cotinus coggygria
Cultivar
‘Royal Purple’, ‘Grace’, ‘Golden Spirit’
Family
Anacardiaceae
Plant Characteristics
Flowering
Plant Color
Green, purple, chartreuse
Flower Color
Pink
Bloom Time
Summer
Fall Color
Yellow, orange, red/purple
Height
4-10'
Width
4-10'
Water Use
Low-medium
Care Instructions

Smokebush thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. It has low to medium water needs once established and tolerates drought well. Water regularly during the first season to establish roots, then transition to deeper, less frequent irrigation. Pruning can be tailored to desired form. For a large shrub or small tree look, prune lightly in late winter. For a more compact plant with larger leaves, cut back harder in early spring. Fall dieback cutback is not required and usually not recommended, as leaving structure through winter helps protect the plant and maintains winter interest. Winter protection is not typically needed in Rocky Mountain climates.