Cotinus coggygria - Smoke Bush

Bush with a dense habit and growing in poor soil, the Cotinus coggygria displays magnificent tea-coloured plumes in summer, and green leaves.

A medium-sized bush, the Cotinus coggygria reaches a height of 3 to 4m at maturity. Its deciduous leaves appear in April, they are green oval-shaped, and measure 6-8cm (2.4-3.1 in) in diameter.

In spring, the bush is covered with cream flowers, which then produce interesting fruits. In summer, the pink tea-coloured fruits form graceful and very light plumes.

Easy to grow, it likes well-drained, poor, and light soil. Once established, it can tolerate heat but does not tolerate excessive moisture in winter, especially in heavy soils.

Bush to be grown in hedges or rockeries, in the company of catmints, betony, lavenders, and bee balms.