The ‘Smoke bush’
A popular and colourful plant, Cotinus coggygria is commonly called the ‘Smoke Bush’. They are an attractive shrub grown for the foliage which varies from purple to red. In our climate it is an easy care plant and can be either pruned to maintain shape or coppiced.
Cotinus ‘Velvet Cloak’, Cotinus Grace and Cotinus Royal Purple are three popular varieties. The wonderful rich maroon foliage of the purple smokebush is an outstanding addition to the border providing a great contrast to the green of plants such as camellias and rhododendrons.
Cotinus gets its name from the flower heads which look like smoke from a distance.
Smoke bushes look great from spring though summer, with foliage ranging from green, purple and golden leaves. The new dwarf cultivar is young lady, flowers start a pastel pink and then fade. Will reach around 2m with little pruning. Plants also look great after rain a wonderful glistening effect.
These are a Mediterranean plant and require good drainage. The golden foliage releases will need a little shade. The Golden cultivars are a little smaller than the purple ones so can be planted in front for a great contrast in the garden.
Growing conditions and Care
C. coggygria (Smoke Bush) are an attractive flowering plant with masses of pink feathery plumes of flowers during spring and it is after the flowers fade that a little annual care and pruning is often carried out.
In terms of general growing conditions Cotinus prefer a well drained humus rich soil in a sunny position and once established are relatively drought tolerant.
Cotinus are best when kept pruned to 1 or 2 trunks, open up the centre of the tree and even consider copicing if you are keen on the foliage and a smaller bush. Pruning details
Cotinus Varieties
Cotinus coggygria (Smoke Bush) are deciduous and a number of species and cultivars are available including
- C. coggyria ‘Royal Purple’ – Dark purple leaves on a slow growing bush
- C. coggyria ‘Velvet Cloak’ – Good autumn colour and purple leaves
- C. coggyria ‘Grace‘ – Very good purple foliage, bright and lively, good autumn tones of red and crimson.
- C. coggyria ‘Young Lady’ – One of the best flowering varieties, pink and white flowers in profusion from an early age (Recommended)
- C. coggyria ‘Golden Spirit’ – One with different foliage to most being a lime green to yellow, best grown in part shade.
- C. coggyria ‘Flame’ – Tall pink inflorescences in autumn and brilliant red coloured foliage at this time/
- C. coggygria ‘Purpureus’.
Cotinus obovatus is the American smoke tree a much larger plant reaching over 10m in its natural environment .
Pruning the Smoke Bush
These plants actually need very little pruning, they naturally grow to around 2m (6ft) and are a low maintenance plant.
The only time we have ever regularly pruned ours is when it had damaged branches or when we ‘took a few flowers’ for indoors, they make a great floral arrangement.
And every so often an ‘errant’ growth may need to be cut back to maintain shape, but rarely.
A few people suggest that they can be turned into a hedge, and indeed they can, but an informal hedge that does not need pruning. If you try to turn cotinus into a ‘formal hedge’ you might just ruin the plant.
Cotinus or ‘Smokebush Plants’ are available for sale from the following nurseries
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.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
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
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
Wholesale Suppliers
17 McCarthy Rd Monbulk, Vic, 3793, Australia
Specialising in propagation and production of over 900 species / varieties of ornamental plants, perennials & rare plants. Supplying nurseries, landscapers & others. Minimum quantities apply! Contact us to discuss plants or growing requirements.
www.devontubestock.com