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Description
Cotinus Coggygria Royal Purple, also known as Smokebush, is a deciduous shrub that is popular among gardeners for its stunning purple foliage. The plant is native to Southern Europe and Central Asia and can grow up to 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide. The shrub produces small, yellow-green flowers in early summer that resemble smoke, hence the name Smokebush. The flowers are followed by fluffy, pinkish-purple seed clusters that add interest to the plant. Cotinus Coggygria Royal Purple is a low-maintenance plant that is perfect for any garden.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus||——–|———|——–|——-|——-|——–|———–|| Eukaryota | Plantae | Spermatophyta | Magnoliopsida | Sapindales | Anacardiaceae | Cotinus |
Appearance
Cotinus Coggygria Royal Purple is a deciduous shrub with a dense, rounded habit. The leaves are ovate to elliptic in shape and can grow up to 5 inches long and 3 inches wide. The foliage is a deep purple color that intensifies in the sun. The shrub produces small flowers in early summer that are yellow-green in color and resemble smoke. The flowers are followed by fluffy, pinkish-purple seed clusters that add interest to the plant. In the fall, the foliage turns a deep red color before falling off.
Care Guide
Cotinus Coggygria Royal Purple is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to ensure your plant thrives:- Water: Water your plant deeply once a week, especially during hot, dry weather.- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.- Soil: Cotinus Coggygria Royal Purple prefers well-drained, fertile soil.- Sunlight: The plant needs full sun to bring out the intense purple color of the foliage.- Hardiness Zones: The shrub is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cotinus Coggygria Royal Purple is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, here are some common issues to look out for:- Verticillium Wilt: This fungal disease causes the leaves to turn yellow and wilt. There is no cure for Verticillium Wilt, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed.- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. It can be treated with a fungicide.- Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Cotinus Coggygria Royal Purple is native to Southern Europe and Central Asia. The shrub prefers well-drained soil and full sun. It is commonly found in gardens and landscapes in temperate regions.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I fertilize Cotinus Coggygria Royal Purple?
A: Fertilize your plant once a year in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Q: Can I grow Cotinus Coggygria Royal Purple in a container?
A: Yes, the shrub can be grown in a container as long as it is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How do I prune Cotinus Coggygria Royal Purple?
A: Prune your plant in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches and shape the plant as desired.
Q: How tall does Cotinus Coggygria Royal Purple grow?
A: The plant can grow up to 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Cotinus Coggygria Royal Purple:- Cotinus Coggygria ‘Golden Spirit’- Cotinus Coggygria ‘Grace’- Cotinus Obovatus
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden: Cotinus Coggygria ‘Royal Purple’– The Spruce: Cotinus Coggygria ‘Royal Purple’– Royal Horticultural Society: Cotinus Coggygria
