Cotinus

Cotinus - Smoke Bush – Best Plants In New Zealand

Growing colourful trees and shrubs such as the Cotinus Smoke Bush in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They can be used to provide shade, screening, and shelter.
• They attract birds.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of Cotinus Smoke Trees, and the right one for your space. Our Cotinus have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate, and we only stock the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Cotinus, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Cotinus Smoke Bush Questions

1. What is the fastest growing Cotinus?

The fastest growing Cotinus is Cotinus coggygria 'Grace'. It is an upright, small tree that can grow to 6 metres tall in just a few years. 'Grace' has copper-purple leaves that turn brilliant red in autumn. It also produces clusters of feathery, pink flowers in the summer.

Other fast-growing Cotinus varieties include:

• Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'
• Cotinus coggygria 'Young Lady'
• Cotinus coggygria 'Velvet Cloak'

These varieties will all grow to be about 4-6 metres tall in a few years.

2. What are the cons of Royal Purple Smoke Tree?

The Royal Purple Smoke Tree, or Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple', is a beautiful and popular ornamental tree. However, there are a few cons to consider before planting one:

• Size: The Royal Purple Smoke Tree can grow to be quite large, up to 10 metres tall and wide. This makes it important to choose a planting location where it will have enough room to grow.
• Mess: The Royal Purple Smoke Tree can be quite messy, dropping leaves and flowers throughout the growing season. This can be a problem in areas with high winds.
• Susceptibility to pests and diseases: The Royal Purple Smoke Tree is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including scale, aphids, and verticillium wilt. It is important to monitor your tree regularly for signs of pests and diseases and to treat them promptly if necessary.

Overall, the Royal Purple Smoke Tree is a beautiful and relatively easy-care tree. However, it is important to be aware of the potential cons before planting one.

3. Where is the best place to plant a Cotinus?

The best place to plant a Cotinus, or Smoke Tree, is in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Cotinus trees can tolerate a variety of climates, but they will perform best in full sun. They also prefer soil that is rich in organic matter and drains well.

When choosing a planting location, it is important to consider the size of the Cotinus tree you are planting. Cotinus trees can grow to be quite large, so it is important to choose a spot where they will have enough room to grow.

Here are some tips for planting a Cotinus:

• Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the tree.
• Backfill the hole with a mixture of garden soil and compost.
• Place the tree in the hole and backfill with more soil, firming down gently to remove any air pockets.
• Water the tree thoroughly after planting.
• Mulch around the tree to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Consider staking the tree to minimise the chances of wind damage and to produce a straighter tree.

With proper care, your Cotinus tree will thrive for years.

4. Where should I plant a Cotinus?

Some ideas on where you might want to plant a Cotinus include:

• As a specimen tree: Cotinus trees can be planted as specimen trees in gardens and parks. They have attractive flowers and foliage, and can provide nesting sites for birds.
• In a mixed planting: Cotinus can be planted in mixed borders along with other flowering shrubs and perennials. Cotinus trees add color and interest to mixed borders, and they can also provide privacy.
• As a hedge: Cotinus can be trimmed hedges to provide privacy.
• In a windbreak: They can be used for wind protection.

No matter where you choose to plant a Cotinus, be sure to consider its size and needs. With proper care, your Cotinus tree will be a beautiful and rewarding addition to your landscape.

5. What is the difference between Cotinus grace and royal purple?

The main difference between Cotinus 'Grace' and 'Royal Purple' is the color of their foliage. Cotinus 'Grace' has copper-purple leaves that turns a brilliant red in autumn. 'Royal Purple' has deep purple leaves that retain their colour throughout the growing season until they autumn.

Another difference between the two varieties is their size. Cotinus 'Grace' is a smaller shrub, typically reaching heights of 4-6 metres, while ‘Purple' typically reaches 6-10 metres.

Both varieties produce clusters of feathery, pink flowers in summer. However, the flowers of Cotinus 'Grace' are typically larger and more showy than the flowers of 'Royal Purple'.

6. What can I plant next to a smoke bush?

There are many plants that can be planted next to a smoke bush:

• Shrubs: Viburnum, , spirea, weigela, and hydrangea all have similar growing requirements and will complement the smoke bush's foliage and flowers.
• Perennials: Perennials such as daylilies, hostas, ferns, and coral bells. These perennials will add colour and interest to the garden.
• Grasses: Ornamental grasses such as feather reed grass, switchgrass, and blue oat grass can also be planted next to a smoke bush. These grasses will add texture and movement to the garden and will also help to create a more natural look.

7. What are the problems with Cotinus?

While Cotinus, commonly known as smokebush, is a generally low-maintenance and disease-resistant plant, it's not entirely problem-free. Here are some of the potential issues you might encounter:

1. Environmental Stress:

• Cotinus thrives in full sun to partial shade. Too much shade can lead to poor growth, fewer flowers, and paler leaves. Conversely, excessive sun exposure in hot climates might scorch the foliage.
• Both underwatering and overwatering can be detrimental. Underwatering can cause wilting, leaf drop, and stunted growth, while overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases.
• Cotinus prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Planting in heavy clay or poorly drained soil can hinder drainage and cause root problems.

2. Pests and diseases:

• Verticillium wilt is a fungal disease that can cause wilting, leaf discoloration, and dieback of branches. It's challenging to treat and often requires removing the affected plant.
• Aphids are sap-sucking insects that can cause leaf distortion and curling. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Scale insects are tiny, armored insects that can also suck sap and leave behind sticky residue. Horticultural oil sprays can help manage scale infestations.

3. Other potential problems:

• Sudden dieback of branches can be caused by various factors, including verticillium wilt, other fungal diseases, or root damage from construction or trenching.
• Insufficient sunlight or nutrient deficiencies can limit flowering.
• Cotinus can produce suckers, which are shoots that grow from the base of the plant. These can be removed to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant.

Tips for preventing problems:

• Plant Cotinus in a suitable location with well-drained soil and appropriate sun exposure.
• Water regularly, especially during hot and dry periods, but avoid overwatering.
• Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Prune regularly to remove dead or diseased branches and maintain the desired shape.
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and take action promptly if necessary.

By understanding these potential problems and taking proper care, you can help your Cotinus thrive.

8. How big does Cotinus Royal Purple smoke bush get?

Cotinus Royal Purple is a stunning cultivar known for its vibrant purple foliage and impressive smoke-like flower plumes. However, its mature size can vary depending on several factors:

Average size:

• Height: Most sources agree that Cotinus Royal Purple typically reaches 10-15 feet tall (3-4.5 meters) at maturity. Some sources cite a slightly wider range, up to 20 feet (6 meters) in optimal conditions.
• Spread: The width tends to be similar to the height, resulting in a roughly 10-15 feet wide (3-4.5 meters) mature canopy.

9. Are Cotinus deep rooted?

Cotinus plants, including the popular Royal Purple variety, are generally not considered deep-rooted. While their root systems can vary depending on factors like soil type and maturity, they typically consist of:

• Shallow, fibrous roots: These fine roots spread horizontally near the surface, effectively absorbing water and nutrients from the top few inches of soil.
• Taproot: A central, vertical root that grows downwards, but not to an overly deep extent. This taproot primarily provides anchorage and stability for the plant, not reaching depths that would cause major structural issues.