Royal Purple Smoke Tree
Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'
This striking ornamental tree captivates with deep purple foliage that intensifies in fall and ethereal, smoke-like flower clusters that give the tree its common name. 'Royal Purple' offers year-round interest and serves as a dramatic focal point that few other small trees can match.
Sun
Full sun
Zones
4–8
USDA hardiness
Height
10-15 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Royal Purple Smoke Tree in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ornamental-tree →Zone Map
Click a state to update dates
Royal Purple Smoke Tree · Zones 4–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet, 12-24 feet, 24-60 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: 'Ancot' GOLDEN SPIRIT 'Daydream'Dark green 'Pink Champange'Orange pink leaves 'Royal Purple' Noted for deep purple almost black foliage during the growing season, 'Ancot' GOLDEN SPIRIT, 'Daydream', 'Pink Champange', 'Royal Purple'. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Small drupe, not showy, kidney shaped.
Type: Drupe. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
History & Origin
Origin: S. Central Europe to China
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Diseases, Drought, Insect Pests
- +Attracts: Butterflies
- +Wildlife value: 4 Lepidopteran larvae depend on the Cotinus genus.
- +Fast-growing
Considerations
- -Toxic (Sap/Juice): Low severity
- -Causes contact dermatitis
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Lavender
Thrives in similar dry conditions and repels pests while attracting beneficial pollinators
Russian Sage
Shares drought tolerance and provides complementary blue-purple blooms
Barberry
Similar soil preferences and creates layered texture with spiny protection
Ornamental Grasses
Provides textural contrast and thrives in well-draining soil conditions
Sedum
Excellent groundcover for dry conditions and adds late-season color
Juniper
Complementary evergreen structure and similar low-water requirements
Black-eyed Susan
Drought-tolerant perennial that provides bright contrast to purple foliage
Catmint
Shares water-wise needs and attracts beneficial insects while deterring pests
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which can inhibit growth and cause leaf yellowing
Hostas
Requires consistent moisture and shade, competing needs with smoke tree's preferences
Azaleas
Needs acidic, moist soil conditions that conflict with smoke tree's alkaline preferences
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance, very hardy
Common Pests
Few serious pests, occasional aphids
Diseases
Verticillium wilt (rare), generally disease-free