Contents
Description
Cotinus Coggygria Golden Spirit, also known as Smokebush Golden Spirit, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is native to southern Europe and central China and is popular for its stunning yellow-green foliage and pinkish-purple flowers. The shrub can grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide, making it perfect for gardens, borders, and hedges.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Cotinus |
Appearance
Cotinus Coggygria Golden Spirit has bright yellow-green foliage that turns orange and red in the fall. The leaves are oval-shaped, about 2-4 inches long, and have a slightly fuzzy texture. In early summer, the shrub produces pinkish-purple flowers that grow in large clusters, resembling puffs of smoke. The flowers give way to wispy, pinkish-purple seedheads that persist into the winter. The bark of the shrub is grayish-brown and slightly rough.
Care Guide
Cotinus Coggygria Golden Spirit is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips on caring for this beautiful shrub:Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the fall.Fertilization: Fertilize the shrub in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.Soil: The shrub prefers well-drained, loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.Sunlight: Cotinus Coggygria Golden Spirit thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The shrub is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cotinus Coggygria Golden Spirit is generally pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the shrub.
Habitat
Cotinus Coggygria Golden Spirit is native to southern Europe and central China and thrives in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, rocky hillsides, and scrubland. The shrub is highly adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of soil types and growing conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I prune Cotinus Coggygria Golden Spirit?
A: Prune the shrub in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches and shape the shrub as desired.Q: Is Cotinus Coggygria Golden Spirit toxic to pets?
A: The shrub is not considered toxic to pets but can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities.Q: How long does it take for Cotinus Coggygria Golden Spirit to grow?
A: The shrub grows at a moderate rate and can reach its full size in about 5-10 years.Q: Can Cotinus Coggygria Golden Spirit be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the shrub can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its size and the soil is well-drained.
Related Plants
- Cotinus obovatus (American Smoke Tree)
- Cotinus coggygria (Smokebush)
- Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’ (Purple Smokebush)
- Cotinus coggygria ‘Velvet Cloak’ (Velvet Cloak Smokebush)
References
- “Cotinus Coggygria Golden Spirit.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=263229
- “Cotinus Coggygria Golden Spirit.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/40558/Cotinus-coggygria-Golden-Spirit/Details
- “Cotinus Coggygria Golden Spirit.” Plant Delights Nursery. https://www.plantdelights.com/products/cotinus-coggygria-golden-spirit-smokebush
