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Cotinus 'Grace'
Grace smoke tree
Hybrid of garden origin — {C. coggygria} 'Velvet Cloak' × {C. obovatus}; bred by Peter Dummer at Hillier Nurseries, England
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Overview
Cotinus 'Grace' is Grace smoke tree (hybrid smoke bush), a vigorous upright deciduous shrub growing 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m) tall and 15-18 feet (4.5-5.4 m) wide. A hybrid of C. coggygria 'Velvet Cloak' × C. obovatus (American smoke tree). Purple to wine-red rounded leaves 3-5 inches (7-13 cm) — larger than C. coggygria (2-3 inches / 5-7 cm). The leaves are translucent when backlit by sun. Deep pink-purple smoke plumes in June-July — larger plumes than C. coggygria due to the C. obovatus parentage. Turns red, scarlet, and orange in fall. In Anacardiaceae. The C. obovatus parentage gives 'Grace' larger leaves, larger smoke plumes, and more vigorous growth than pure C. coggygria cultivars. The large vigorous size (15-20 feet / 4.5-6 m) is the primary space limitation. Same verticillium wilt susceptibility as C. coggygria. Same skin-irritating sap. Full sun required for purple color. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant once established. Toxic to pets. Zones 4-9. Full sun. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Hybrid of garden origin — C. coggygria 'Velvet Cloak' × C. obovatus. Bred by Peter Dummer at Hillier Nurseries, England.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen shrub or small tree in large gardens spaced 15-18 feet (4.5-5.4 m). Large purple leaves. Large smoke plumes. Vigorous — requires space. Translucent foliage when backlit. Deer-resistant. Toxic to pets. Zones 4-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 20'
Width/Spread15' - 18'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Early to midsummer (June-July). Tiny yellowish true flowers in loose panicles. Deep pink-purple smoke plumes (elongated pedicels) persist 4-6 weeks — larger than C. coggygria. Bee-pollinated.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Tiny yellowish true flowers; deep pink-purple smoke plumes — larger plumes than C. coggygriaFoliage Description
Purple to wine-red, large rounded, 3-5 inches (7-13 cm) — larger than C. coggygria (2-3 inches / 5-7 cm); translucent when backlit by sun; 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 purple foliage). Well-drained poor to average soil pH 5.5-7.5. Vigorous — reaches 15-20 feet (4.5-6 m) without pruning. Annual coppicing in March controls size but eliminates smoke. Verticillium wilt susceptible. Sap irritates skin. 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); allow the shrub to reach full size. (2) For foliage display — coppice annually in March to 6-12 inches (15-30 cm); produces very large deeply colored leaves on vigorous 6-8 foot (1.8-2.4 m) new growth but no smoke.Pruning Schedule
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early spring