One of the best of all of the smokebush plants is Cotinus Grace. You can plant this for the spring foliage alone, brilliant red/purple with a real glow, excellent spring color. This really is a plant that can lift the garden with its foliage color almost year round.
Yes the foliage ages to a purple however this is spring foliage at its best. And just to top things off this is a variety that comes back to life in autumn with wonderful reds and orange foliage for a second display.
And of course in spring to summer the flowers, typical smokebush grandeur, wonderful towering pink smoky plumes rising above the foliage. Cotinus Grace can reach a height or 5m with its large panicles of creamy yellow flowers in spring to summer. Growth rate is fairly fast.
Where to plant ?
With a tall growing plant such as Cotinus Grace it is best at the back of the border, or allowed a more forward position where it can spill over onto a lawn. A humus rich moist but well drained soil is best
Care and Pruning
In terms of care and pruning needs very little once established. It does cope well with pruning, however we feel that it destroys the natural shape of the plant.
Summary
- Height – 3 – 5m
- Spread – 4m
- Growth Rate – Moderate to fast
- Flowers – Large panicles of pale pink to yellow in summer with masses of fine hairs that is typical of Continus
- Foliage – Deciduous. Reddish purple turning to orange and gold in autumn
- Position – Full Sun
- Watering – Water well until established and then during dry periods
- Fertiliser – General purpose in spring
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Cotinus Grace is available for sale from the following nurseries
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au