The Smoke Tree (Cotinus coggygria) is known for its colorful foliage and airy, cloud-like fruit clusters, making it a standout in gardens both in the summer and winter months.
Smoke Tree with Purple Leaves
Particularly the dark-leaved varieties are very popular. The leaves and the characteristic seed clusters contribute significantly to the plant’s ornamental value.
Smoke Tree: Characteristics and Origin
The Smoke Tree, also known as the common Smoke Tree or Fisettholz, belongs to the Sumac family (Anacardiaceae). Its native range includes the Mediterranean region, southern Europe, southwestern Asia, and parts of India, China, Pakistan, and Nepal. The plant is well-suited to dry, warm slopes with poor to moderately fertile, calcareous soils. It is even found in parts of Germany and the UK, though it is not widely native there.
Varieties of Smoke Tree
The plant comes in various varieties that differ in growth size and foliage color. Some of the most beautiful varieties include:
- Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’: A small, compact variety with dark red foliage and yellow-green flowers. It reaches about 3 meters in height and width.
- Cotinus coggygria ‘Golden Spirit’: This variety has golden-yellow leaves and reddish flowers. It grows up to 2.5 meters in height and width.
- Cotinus coggygria ‘Lilla’: A compact version of ‘Royal Purple’ that grows up to 1.5 meters. Its dark reddish-violet leaves contrast nicely with yellow-green flowers.
- Cotinus coggygria ‘Smokey Joe’: Features green leaves and pink-red fruit clusters, growing up to 2.5 meters.
- Cotinus coggygria ‘Young Lady’: This variety has green leaves with yellow-pink flowers and white-brown fruit clusters.
Planting the Smoke Tree
The Smoke Tree prefers a sunny location, as this brings out the best color in its foliage. It is adaptable to different soil types but thrives best in a well-drained, moderately nutrient-rich, slightly alkaline to calcareous soil. When planting, the hole should be twice the diameter of the root ball. The plant can be planted in spring or fall, ideally between September and October. For heavy, wet soils, mixing in sand or stones will improve drainage.
Care & Maintenance
Once established, the Smoke Tree is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. It doesn’t require regular pruning, though you can remove wayward branches or trim the tree to maintain its shape. Pruning can be done almost year-round, but avoid cutting during the heat of summer or winter frost. Fertilizing with compost in spring and occasional liquid feed during the growing season will ensure healthy growth. Watering is crucial for young or potted trees, especially in the first year.
Propagation
The Smoke Tree can be propagated through cuttings or by layering. Cuttings should be taken from semi-ripe wood in late summer, dipped in rooting hormone, and placed in moist, well-draining soil. For layering, bend a branch to the ground and bury part of it, allowing it to root before cutting it from the parent plant.