1 / 4
Cotinus coggygria 'Purpureus Group'
purple-leaf smoke tree/bush
The species {C. coggygria} is native to southern Europe through central Asia to northern China; Purpureus Group cultivars are of garden selectionLearn more
Overview
Cotinus coggygria Purpureus Group is purple smoke bush (purple-leaf smoke tree), an upright deciduous shrub growing 10-15 feet (3-4.5 m) tall and 10-15 feet (3-4.5 m) wide. Deep purple to burgundy rounded leaves 2-3 inches (5-7 cm). Deep purple-pink smoke plumes (elongated hair-like pedicels on spent flower panicles) 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in June-July — darker smoke than the green-leaved species. The purple foliage fades toward bronze-green by late summer in hot climates — this color reversion is the primary aesthetic limitation. Common named cultivars include 'Royal Purple' (darkest, holds color longest), 'Velvet Cloak', and 'Nordine Red' (hardiest). Turns red, scarlet, and orange in fall. In Anacardiaceae. Same verticillium wilt susceptibility as the species. Same skin-irritating sap. Full sun required for deep purple color — shade causes green reversion. Annual coppicing in March produces larger deeply colored leaves but eliminates the smoke display. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant once established. Toxic to pets. Zones 4-9. Full sun. Growth rate is moderate to fast.
Native Range
The species C. coggygria is native to southern Europe through central Asia to northern China. Purpureus Group cultivars are of garden selection.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen shrub and back-of-border accent spaced 10-15 feet (3-4.5 m). Purple foliage. Deep purple-pink smoke. Multicolor fall foliage. Purple fades in hot climates and shade. Deer-resistant. Toxic to pets. Zones 4-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 15'
Width/Spread10' - 15'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Early to midsummer (June-July). Tiny yellowish true flowers in loose panicles. Deep purple-pink smoke plumes (elongated pedicels) persist 4-6 weeks. Bee-pollinated.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Tiny yellowish true flowers; the smoke plumes are deep purple-pink — darker than the green-leaved speciesFoliage Description
Deep purple to burgundy, rounded, 2-3 inches (5-7 cm) wide; the purple fades toward bronze-green by late summer in hot climates; turns red, scarlet, and orange in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours — required for deep purple foliage). Well-drained poor to average soil pH 5.5-7.5. Excess moisture and fertility reduce color intensity. Verticillium wilt susceptible. Sap irritates skin. Prune in early spring (March). Deer-resistant. Toxic to pets. Zones 4-9.Pruning
Two approaches: (1) For smoke plumes — prune lightly in March (smoke forms on 2+ year old wood). (2) For foliage display — coppice annually in March to 6-12 inches (15-30 cm); produces large deeply colored purple leaves but no smoke. 'Royal Purple' holds color with light pruning.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring