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Plant Profiles / Smoke bush
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Smoke bush
Cotinus coggygria · Smoke tree
Rounded purple or lime leaves and airy pink plumes in summer that look like puffs of smoke.
Full sunLight
WeeklyWater
EasyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Best colour in sun.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Drought tolerant once established.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
-20–38°C (-4–100°F)
CoolWarm
Very hardy.
Growth
Moderate
SlowFast
Grows 3–5 m.
Soil
Free-draining soil
LeanRich
Poorer soil gives better colour.
Fertiliser
Spring
RarelyOften
Light feed only.
Pet safety
Mildly toxic
SafeToxic
Sap may irritate.
About this plant
Native from southern Europe to China, smoke bush is drought hardy and colourful. Purple forms like 'Royal Purple' glow in autumn.
Best spots
Gardens, mixed borders and large pots.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Cotinus coggygria |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Origin | Southern Europe to China |
| Plant type | Deciduous shrub or small tree |
| Mature size | 3–5 m |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Flowers | Smoky plumes |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Plant
Flowering
Autumn colour
Prune
PlantFloweringAutumn colourPrune
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Mildew | Improve airflow. |
| Few plumes | Pruned too hard. |
| Green leaves | More sun. |
| Wilting | Wet roots. |
Common questions
Is it a tree or shrub?
Either, depending on pruning.
Is it drought tolerant?
Yes.
Is it pet safe?
Mildly toxic.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes.
