Cotinus coggygria var. purpurea | smokebush

Smokebush is a flashy, fast growing plant that thrives on poor conditions and neglect. Foliage emerges a brilliant red in spring, darkens to a deep green-purple as summer progresses, then turns back to a bright red as fall approaches. Plumes of smokey-pink flowers adorn the plant in summer (if not cut back).

This plant grows rapidly! We prune it hard each year to a maintain a smaller shrub form. The first photo shows our young plant in early May, the second in early July.

Zones: 4 to 8
Family: Anacardiaceae
Type: Deciduous Shrub
Height: 10 to 15 ft.
Spread: 15 to 20 ft.
Exposure: Full Sun
Soil Conditions: Average, poor, well-drained
Bloom Time: May to July
Native Range: southern Europe to central China