Autumn array of vibrant hues gracefully adorn the smoke bush, setting the stage for a splendid display in the upcoming season.
In the world of gardening, the smoke bush or smoke tree (Cotinus) stands out as a hardy, resilient, and colourful addition to any garden. Hailing from Asia, these large, deciduous shrubs are known for their vibrant foliage and distinctive fluffy flower clusters.
Cotinus thrives best in sunny, warm locations with well-draining soil and moderate watering when young, becoming drought-tolerant as it matures. It adapts well to a range of soil types, including poor, light, chalky, clay, sandy, and even compact or waterlogged soils if drainage is adequate. Moist but not waterlogged soils are preferred.
These versatile plants are hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 8, with some cultivars slightly less cold tolerant. Protection and site selection can affect winter survival.
When it comes to sunlight, Cotinus thrives best in full sun to develop vibrant foliage colors and abundant fluffy flower clusters. However, it can tolerate some partial shade with slightly less intense leaf coloration.
Regular watering is important during the first growing season to establish strong roots. Once mature, Cotinus is quite drought-tolerant and requires average water.
Minimal pruning is required. Best to prune hard in late winter or early spring if desired to encourage vigorous shoots and larger, more colorful leaves. Avoid regular pruning to maintain the natural shape, but selectively removing branches is okay for shaping or removing dead wood.
For large specimens or screening, allow 3-4 meters between plants. Closer spacing is possible for mass plantings or dense screens.
The cultivar Cotinus coggygria 'Pink Champagne' is smaller with bronze-tinted new leaves that soon turn pale green. Its flower plumes are abundant in summer and are useful to lighten heavy, dark foliage.
The cultivar Cotinus coggygria 'Notcutt's Variety', raised at Notcutts Nurseries, Suffolk, in 1915, has oval, red-purple leaves that turn red and orange in autumn and produces feathery, pale-pink flower panicles in summer.
The cultivar Cotinus coggygria Golden Spirit (= 'Ancot') has whorls of bright-yellow leaves that turn lime-yellow and then apricot-salmon before they fall.
The cultivar Cotinus coggygria 'Notcutt's Variety' was raised at Notcutts Nurseries, Suffolk, in 1915. It has oval, red-purple leaves that turn red and orange in autumn and produces feathery, pale-pink flower panicles in summer.
The cultivar Cotinus coggygria Dusky Maiden (= 'Londus') has small, deep-burgundy, wavy-edged leaves that turn rich red in autumn.
The cultivar Green Fountain (= 'Kolcot') is a neat and compact cotinus cultivar with a free branching habit. It has attractive, rounded green, purple, or gold leaves and feathery flower plumes in summer. Its deep-green leaves turn orange-red in autumn and produces prolific, smoky grey-green inflorescences in summer.
The cultivar Cotinus coggygria 'Kanari' has fresh lemon-yellow leaves that turn purple in autumn.
In the shade, purple leaves can take on a brown tint and golden leaves can turn lime-green.
Cotinus need an open, sunny position to grow. Prune cotinus back hard in late winter or early spring.
You can find Cotinus at various nurseries and plant centres, including Ashwood Nurseries, Barcham Trees, The Bath Priory, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Larch Cottage Nurseries, Thorp Perrow Arboretum, and RHS Wisley Plant Centre.
In conclusion, Cotinus, with its vibrant foliage and distinctive fluffy flower clusters, makes a wonderful addition to any garden. Its versatility in terms of sunlight, soil, water, and pruning requirements, coupled with its hardiness and ease of maintenance, makes it a popular choice for gardeners seeking colour and interest year-round.
Cotinus plants are suitable for various garden settings, including landscapes, home-and-garden spaces, and even large gardens due to their adaptability. The cultivars such as Pink Champagne, Notcutt's Variety, Golden Spirit, Dusky Maiden, Green Fountain, and Kanari offer a range of foliage colors, providing a diverse aesthetic appeal. For best results, homeowners should select their Cotinus plants based on their preferred foliage colors and provide an open, sunny location for growth.
