Cotinus coggygria Winecraft Black
Cotinus 'Winecraft Purple' photo courtesy of Spring Meadow Nursery
Smokebush

The first-ever Proven Winners® smokebush would have to be special - and indeed, it is. 'Winecraft Black' Cotinus starts the season with rich purple foliage, becoming deeper in color until it's nearly black; fall then turns it brilliant orange. Early summer brings wispy red flowers that become the beautiful, hazy-violet "smoke" that give this plant its name. Rounded habit offers a more compact presentation than conventional smokebush.

Click image for design ideas with this plant

  • Height: 1.2-1.8 m (4-6 ft)
  • Spread: 1.5-2.1 m (5-7 ft)
  • Hardiness: Zone 4-8
  • Sun or Shade: full sun
  • Bloom Time: early summer
  • Leaf Colour: purple
  • Bloom Colour: purple
  • Critter Resistance: deer

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Smokebushes are easy care shrubs that thrive in a broad range of soil conditions as long as drainage is good. Water new plants regularly until established and mulch to retain soil moisture. Once established they will tolerate some dry periods. Prune in spring to rejuvenate the shrub, bring in back into bounds or remove any winter injured branches. Prune anytime to remove dead, diseased, and broken branches.

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