Cotinus coggygria aka Smoketree

Taxonomy

Cotinus coggygria, also known as smoke bush or smoke tree, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is native to Eurasia and is sometimes referred to as Venetian sumach or dyer's sumach. The plant has an upright, multi-stemmed habit and can be grown as a garden specimen. It is popular for its beautiful purple-pink smokey plumes and purple leaves found on some cultivars. The leaves are ovate in shape, waxy green, and turn yellow, orange, or purplish-red in fall depending on the variety. The name "smoke bush" comes from the billowy hairs attached to the flower clusters, which turn a smoky pink to purplish-pink over time. Smoke bush is dioecious, meaning it has staminate and pistillate flowers borne on different individuals. 'Royal Purple' smoketree, a cultivar of Cotinus coggygria, is a large shrub or small tree with a compact growth habit and showy purple leaves. It was introduced to the United States in 1953, originating from Boskoop, Holland.

Common names

Smoketree, Smoke Bush, Fustet, Smokebush

How to care for Smoketree

Difficulty

Smoketree is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Smoketree should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Smoketree loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Smoketree requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Smoketree will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Smoketree is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Fertilizer

The growth of Smoketree is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Smoketree’s native range is S. Europe to W. Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia