Moderate to grow

smoketree

Cotinus coggygria 'Young Lady'

Overview

The smoketree (Cotinus coggygria 'Young Lady') is an amazing species because of its graceful beauty. In summer, its lush green foliage provides a stunning backdrop for the sizable clusters of tiny yellow, pink or white flowers. From mid-summer to early autumn, the foliage takes on a pleasant smoky-haze as the tiny flowers fade. This spectacular haze adds further ornamental value and attracts pollinators. Additionally, the smoketree offers pigment-rich bright-orange and brick-red autumnal hues with added texture for winter landscape interest. As a bonus, its adaptable nature allows the smoketree to tolerate heat, cold, drought and various soils - ensuring its place as a stunning, low-maintenance landscaping specimen.

Care Guide

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Watering

Smoketree prefers moist, well-drained soils, in full sun. Water deeply and infrequently to establish a strong root system. During the first growing season, water once a week to keep the soil evenly moist. In subsequent years, water this plant only when the top few inches of soil are dry. In hot and dry climates, give additional water during extremely dry periods and in times with insufficient rainfall. Avoid frequent shallow waterings, as this may encourage shallow root growth.

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Light

Smoketree (Cotinus coggygria 'Young Lady') should receive at least 6 hours of full sunlight per day. For optimal growth, these trees need a minimum of 8 hours of full, direct sun a day. In the heat of summer, it is best to provide some afternoon shade to prevent the plant from wilting in the hot sun. If the smoketree is planted in an area with partial shade, the bright sunlight should be in the morning and the shade in the afternoon.

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Soil

Well-drained

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Temperature

Hardiness zone 5–8.

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Pruning

Smoketree (Cotinus coggygria 'Young Lady') should be pruned in late winter once the plant is dormant. Pruning should be minimal and only done to remove dead branches. Avoid cutting back the branches too severely as this could result in poor flowering and unattractive plant growth. Pruning should be done carefully to preserve the natural shape of the shrub, with an emphasis on removing thin or unproductive growth. In general, no more than 25% of the existing growth should be removed.

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Propagation

Stem Propagation, Layering Propagation, Grafting Propagation, Division, Seed Propagation

Diseases & Pests

Common pests: Rust, Scale insects, Wilt, Deer resistant, Drought resistant .

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