Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'
smoke bush
This deciduous shrub has magnificent, dark red-purple oval leaves, that turn scarlet in autumn. In July and August, it is festooned with fluffy plumes of purplish-pink flowers that look like a haze of smoke. This is an eye-catching specimen plant for a sunny shrub or mixed border.
The foliage, which appears almost translucent when backlit by the sun, is at its best when the plant has been pruned hard in March.
The foliage, which appears almost translucent when backlit by the sun, is at its best when the plant has been pruned hard in March.
How to care for Cotinus coggygria Royal Purple:
Plant in full sun for the best foliage colour, though it will tolerate light shade. Choose a well-drained soil, ideally neutral to alkaline, and avoid waterlogged conditions. Smoke bushes are tolerant of poorer soils once established but will perform best in moderately fertile ground.
Water well during the first growing season to establish a strong root system, then reduce watering as plants become more drought tolerant. Apply a mulch of well-rotted compost or organic matter in spring to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.
In late winter or early spring, remove misplaced, diseased, or crossing branches to maintain a strong framework. If you want to produce larger, more dramatic leaves, cut stems back hard to within two or three buds of the base in early spring. After pruning, always apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the base.
Hard pruning will limit flowers but encourage bold foliage; lighter pruning allows the distinctive summer “smoky” flower plumes to develop.
Water well during the first growing season to establish a strong root system, then reduce watering as plants become more drought tolerant. Apply a mulch of well-rotted compost or organic matter in spring to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.
In late winter or early spring, remove misplaced, diseased, or crossing branches to maintain a strong framework. If you want to produce larger, more dramatic leaves, cut stems back hard to within two or three buds of the base in early spring. After pruning, always apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the base.
Hard pruning will limit flowers but encourage bold foliage; lighter pruning allows the distinctive summer “smoky” flower plumes to develop.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
5m
Eventual spread:
5m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
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