Smokebush Purple
Cotinus coggygria 'Purpureus'
A dramatic focal point shrub renowned for its billowy, smoke-like flower plumes that create an ethereal cloud effect in summer landscapes. The deep purple foliage provides rich color all season long, intensifying to brilliant orange-red in fall for spectacular autumn interest. This low-maintenance beauty thrives in poor soils and drought conditions while delivering unmatched visual impact.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
4–8
USDA hardiness
Height
10-15 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Smokebush Purple in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 shrub →Zone Map
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Smokebush Purple · 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
Shares similar drought tolerance and attracts beneficial pollinators while repelling pests
Russian Sage
Complementary purple-blue flowers, similar water requirements, and attracts butterflies
Ornamental Grasses
Provides textural contrast and helps prevent soil erosion around the shrub base
Sedum
Drought-tolerant groundcover that won't compete for water and attracts beneficial insects
Black-Eyed Susan
Yellow flowers create striking color contrast with purple foliage and both tolerate dry conditions
Juniper
Evergreen structure provides winter interest and shares similar low-water requirements
Coneflower
Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects while tolerating similar growing conditions
Yarrow
Improves soil health, attracts beneficial insects, and thrives in similar dry conditions
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that can stunt growth and cause leaf yellowing in susceptible plants
Maple Trees
Dense shade and shallow root system compete heavily for water and nutrients
Hostas
Require consistently moist soil and shade, opposite of smokebush's drought and sun preferences
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance, very few problems
Common Pests
Generally pest-free, occasional aphids
Diseases
Rarely affected by diseases, very healthy plant