Cotinus Royal Purple

Cotinus Royal Purple

Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’

Smoke Bush   Smoke Tree

Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’, commonly known as the smoke bush or smoke tree, is a striking deciduous shrub renowned for its dark purple foliage and ethereal smoky plumes. This cultivar, derived from Cotinus coggygria, offers an exceptional display of color and texture in the garden, making it a favorite among gardeners and landscapers alike. With its bold, rich colors and relatively easy maintenance, it can serve as a focal point or a complementary plant in mixed borders, shrubberies, and even containers.

Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’ belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, which includes other well-known plants like sumac and poison ivy. Native to parts of southern Europe, central Asia, and the Himalayas, the smoke bush is adapted to dry, rocky hillsides and thus tends to be quite drought-tolerant once established. ‘Royal Purple’ was developed as a specific cultivar of Cotinus coggygria to emphasize its deep purple leaves, which stand out as the primary ornamental feature of the plant.

This shrub typically reaches a height of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 5 meters), although it can sometimes grow taller under ideal conditions. It spreads to about 10 feet wide, making it a sizable addition to any landscape. Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’ has an upright, loose branching habit that contributes to its overall rounded or oval shape. It does however respond well to regular hard pruning producing a smaller bushier plant with more vibrant foliage.

The most celebrated aspect of Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’ is undoubtedly its foliage. The leaves emerge a vibrant burgundy-red in spring, deepening to an intense, velvety purple as the season progresses. In autumn, the leaves transform into shades of red, orange, and yellow, providing a final burst of color before they fall. The leaves are ovate, typically 3 to 5 inches long, and have a slightly waxy texture, which further enhances their rich hue.

In late spring to early summer, Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’ produces tiny yellow-green flowers in large, airy panicles. While the flowers themselves are somewhat inconspicuous, it’s the fine, wispy hairs that develop around them, giving the appearance of smoke or mist, that truly makes this plant unique. These “smoke” plumes can persist on the shrub for several months, adding an element of soft, ethereal beauty to the garden during the summer. The combination of purple leaves and smoky blooms creates a dynamic contrast that makes ‘Royal Purple’ an outstanding visual specimen.

Cultivation Requirements

One of the reasons Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’ is so popular in gardens is its relatively low maintenance needs. It thrives best in full sun, which enhances the vibrancy of its purple foliage. While it can tolerate partial shade, the foliage may become more green than purple in lower light conditions. The shrub prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including poor, sandy, or rocky soils, which mirrors its native habitat. It’s also fairly drought-tolerant once established, making it a good option for water-wise gardens.

Pruning is not strictly necessary but can be used to control the size and shape of the shrub or to encourage more vigorous growth of its colorful leaves. For a more compact plant with fuller foliage, gardeners often opt for hard pruning in early spring. This practice encourages the production of new shoots, which tend to have more intense leaf color. However, if left unpruned, Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’ will develop into a more open, airy form, which some gardeners prefer for a more naturalistic look.

Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’ is generally resistant to pests and diseases, making it an easy-care option for many landscapes. However, it can occasionally be affected by leaf spot, rust, or verticillium wilt. Proper spacing and good air circulation around the plant can help prevent these issues. Additionally, its resistance to deer and other browsing animals makes it a good choice for areas where wildlife may pose a challenge.

Due to its stunning color and unique texture, Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’ works well as a specimen plant, drawing the eye and serving as a central feature in a garden bed or border. It pairs beautifully with plants that have contrasting colors or textures, such as golden-leaved shrubs, ornamental grasses, or flowering perennials. It can also be incorporated into shrub borders, where its rich color can create a backdrop for other plants.

Overall, Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’ is a versatile, visually arresting shrub that brings both drama and elegance to any garden. Its bold foliage, striking “smoke” blooms, and adaptability to a variety of conditions make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color and texture to their landscapes.