Smoke Bushes

There are several types of smoke bushes (Cotinus coggygria) I grow. The green original variety is a large shrub going to 15 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Mine grows as a shrub but can be pruned into a small growing tree.

Smoke bush (original green variety)

Most of the varieties grown have purple leaves (Royal Purple, Winecraft Black (PV), or Velvet Cloak) growing slightly smaller at 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide. I find the purple varieties get more winterkill than the green varieties. There is a yellow-leaf variety called Ancot.

Smoke bush variety of Royal Purple

All varieties get their name from the smoke-like plumes of flowers blooming around July looking like puffs of smoke.

Two blooming smoke bushes varieties.

Once established, they are drought-tolerant and pest resistant. Plant smoke bushes in full sun for they do not shade. They do well in sandy or clay soils making it a good choice for South Dakota.