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Description
The Cotinus Coggygria Grace, also known as the Smoke Bush, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. This plant is native to Southern Europe, Central China, and the Himalayas. The Smoke Bush is known for its unique flowers that bloom in the summer and fall, which resemble puffs of smoke. The Grace variety has beautiful purple-red foliage that turns to brilliant shades of orange and red in the fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Cotinus |
Appearance
The Cotinus Coggygria Grace can grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The leaves are oval-shaped and can grow up to 6 inches long. The flowers are small and have a pinkish color that turns to a smokey, purplish color as they age. The Grace variety has striking purple-red foliage that turns to brilliant shades of orange and red in the fall, making it a great addition to any garden.
Care Guide
The Smoke Bush is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for your Cotinus Coggygria Grace:
- Water: Water your plant regularly during its first growing season. After that, it can tolerate dry soil but still needs water during periods of drought.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
- Soil: The Smoke Bush prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.
- Sunlight: The Grace variety prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The Cotinus Coggygria Grace can grow in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Smoke Bush is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can still be susceptible to powdery mildew and verticillium wilt. Powdery mildew can be treated with a fungicide, while verticillium wilt has no cure and the infected plant must be removed to prevent spreading.
Habitat
The Cotinus Coggygria Grace is native to Southern Europe, Central China, and the Himalayas. It can grow in a variety of habitats, including forests, hillsides, and meadows.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Smoke Bush a fast-growing plant?
A: The Cotinus Coggygria Grace is a moderate grower, typically growing 12-18 inches per year.
Q: Can the Smoke Bush be pruned?
A: Yes, the Cotinus Coggygria Grace can be pruned in the late winter or early spring to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.
Q: Can the Smoke Bush be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the Cotinus Coggygria Grace can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Does the Smoke Bush attract wildlife?
A: The flowers of the Cotinus Coggygria Grace can attract bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to any pollinator garden.
Related Plants
- Cotinus coggygria
- Cotinus ‘Royal Purple’
- Cotinus obovatus
References
- “Cotinus Coggygria.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e550.
- “Cotinus Coggygria Grace.” The Morton Arboretum, www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/smoke-bush-grace.
- “Smoke Bush.” Better Homes and Gardens, www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/shrub/smoke-bush/.
