Smoke Tree
Cotinus coggygria
Smoke Tree is one of the most unique plants in gardening — billowing clouds of feathery pink-purple flower stalks that look exactly like puffs of smoke hovering above the foliage. 'Royal Purple' has deep burgundy leaves that turn scarlet in fall. 'Grace' (a hybrid) has huge smoke plumes and grows fast. Nothing else in the landscape looks like a smoke tree.
Care Guide
Plant in full sun for best foliage color. Poor, well-drained soil produces the best plants (too rich = leggy growth, fewer blooms). Very drought tolerant. Can be coppiced (cut to ground in late winter) for dramatic regrowth with enormous leaves — sacrifices flowers but intensifies foliage color.
Landscape Uses
Best Growing Regions
Great Companion Plants
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