Smoke bushes are shapely rounded shrubs or small trees. There are green and purple-leafed forms, both of which are covered in summer with a smoky haze of soft open flower plumes. Cotinus coggygria 'Velvet Cloak' has deep purple leaves that turn a fiery red-orange before falling in autumn.
Grow Cotinus 'Velvet Cloak' in well-drained fertile soil in full sun or partial shade. Mulch annually with well-rotted manure or leafmould. It requires little or no pruning. Learn more in our smoke bush grow guide.
