Cotinus coggygria var. purpurea

Smokebush is a flashy, fast growing plant that thrives on poor conditions and neglect. Foliage emerges a brilliant red in spring, darkens to a deep green-purple as summer progresses, then turns back to a bright red as fall approaches. Plumes of smokey-pink flowers adorn the plant in summer (if not cut back).

We never have flowers on the plant in our garden as we prune it hard to maintain a smaller size. This plant grows rapidly! The first photo shows our young plant in early May, the second in early July.

Zones: 4 to 8

Family: Anacardiaceae

Type: Deciduous Shrub

Height: 10 to 15 ft.

Spread: 15 to 20 ft.

Exposure: Full Sun

Soil Conditions: Average, poor, well-drained

Bloom Time: May to July

Native Range: southern Europe to central China