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Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’ (Smoke tree, Venetian sumac)

Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’ Photo/Illustration: Stephanie Fagan

(Based on 1 user review)

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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’ koe-TY-nus koe-GIG-ree-ah Common Name: Smoke tree, Venetian sumac Synonyms: Rhus cotinus Genus: Cotinus
This shrub or small tree has stunning dark red-purple foliage that turns scarlet in autumn. It has plume-like seed clusters, which appear after the flowers and give a long-lasting, smoky haze to branch tips.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Cotinus are outstanding specimens in a shrub border, and are a great choice for massing or for hedges. They need minimal pruning to maintain a healthy framework, or alternatively, may be coppiced to produce large, dramatic foliage on varieties with colorful foliage (this is at the expense of generous flowering). 
 Care: Grows best in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, but is tolerant of alkaline soils, moist, clay soils, dry, rocky soils, and drought.
 Propagation: Sow seed in autumn, layer in spring, and take softwood cuttings in summer.
 Problems: Powdery mildew, Verticillium wilt.
Height 10 ft. to 15 ft.
Spread 10 ft. to 15 ft.
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Adaptable
Maintenance Moderate
Tolerance Drought Tolerant
Characteristics Showy Fall Foliage; Showy Foliage; Showy Seed Heads
Bloom Time Early Summer; Late Summer; Summer
Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage
Flower Color Pink Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Flowering Tree, Hedge, Specimen Plant/ Focal Point
Style Cottage Garden
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Shrubs

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