Royal Purple Smoke Tree

Dramatic, long-lasting, pinkish purple, smoke-like airy seed clusters backed by reddish purple foliage create a prized small tree or large accent shrub. Foliage holds its color all summer, then turns scarlet red in autumn.

Category: Shrub
Botanical name: Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'
Height: 15
Width: 10
Water requirements: Medium
Sunlight: Full sun
Lowest hardiness zone for growth: 4
Shape: rounded
Growth rate: Medium
Bloom time: Early summer
Level of maintenance: Low
Potential diseases: The oblique-banded leafroller is the primary pest that affects smoke trees. This green caterpillar with a black head can feed on the foliage of smoke trees. The hungry larvae damage leaves, resulting in a plant with a withered and unsightly appearance. In some cases, the caterpillars can defoliate a small smoke bush. Smoke trees growing in soggy soil can show signs of fungal disease like verticillium wilt. This disease causes leaf spot, and entire leaves can turn brown. The best way to avoid soil fungal issues is to ensure the ground drains well and you never overwater your ornamental garden plants.