Smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria) is a tree-shaped, large deciduous shrub that is named for its plumes of summer flowers. A cultivar called ‘Grace’ is particularly attractive and has burgundy foliage which turns rich scarlet in autumn.


How to grow smoke bush in a garden

  1. Choose a sunny spot with well drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Thrive Natural Blood & Bone with Seaweed. In areas with heavy or clay soil, to help improve soil structure and drainage, add gypsum and mix in well.
  2. Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the tree from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.
  3. Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut-shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.
  4. Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, woodchip or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.
  5. Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.  
  6. Feed in autumn and spring with Yates Thrive All Purpose Granular Plant Food to promote strong root development and healthy foliage. TIP: For an added boost, apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.


How to grow smoke bush in a pot

  1. Pick a variety that can be grown in a pot. Choose a pot at least 500mm wide and deep. Position in full sun.
  2. Fill chosen pot with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.
  3. Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.
  4. Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
  5. Feed in autumn and spring with Yates Thrive All Purpose Liquid Plant Food to ensure strong root development and healthy foliage. TIP: For an added boost, apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.

Growing Tips

Cotinus can be pruned back as required. Growth of the smoke-like flowers will be reduced in the year following a complete or hard prune. 


More Plants

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Dwarf Pōhutukawa (AKA Pacific Rata or Tahitian Pohutukawa) is a fantastic flowering shrub or small tree ideal for use as a feature plant, hedge or screen.

Daphne

Daphne is an evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves and beautifully fragrant flowers in shades of white and pink. Grow in the garden or in pots.

Smoke Bush

Smoke Bush is an ideal shrub to add a splash of foliage colour to gardens. It provides year-round seasonal interest and looks fabulous in both gardens and pots.

Picea

Piceas, or Spruces, are evergreen coniferous trees from the Pinaceae family with a lovely conical shape, needle-like leaves and ornate pendulous cones.

Recommended products

Yates Premium Potting Mix

A premium potting mix, ideal for all potted plants and shrubs, including ornamentals, fruit trees, vegies and herbs.