Great Design Plant: Smoke Tree
Plant a 'Grace' smoke tree for months of red, burgundy and purple foliage and an unusual spring bloom
Fans of colorful seasonal foliage rejoice for ‘Grace’ smoke tree (Cotinus ‘Grace’). Plant this flamboyant hybrid and there won't be an inactive moment in your garden from spring through fall. Like all species in the Cotinus genus, ‘Grace’ offers a bold burst of rich foliage and flower color, spreading foliage and low-maintenance charm.
A cross between the European smoke bush (C. coggygria) and the American smoke tree (C. obovatus), 'Grace' is really a perfect plant for designers looking to add some visual diversity into their designs while maintaining a subtlety. “I love the seasonal color changes,” says designer Lisa Port. “It can be a large shrub, but then cut down to 2’ tall each year and ‘recharged’ into a nice bushy shrub in one season.”
A cross between the European smoke bush (C. coggygria) and the American smoke tree (C. obovatus), 'Grace' is really a perfect plant for designers looking to add some visual diversity into their designs while maintaining a subtlety. “I love the seasonal color changes,” says designer Lisa Port. “It can be a large shrub, but then cut down to 2’ tall each year and ‘recharged’ into a nice bushy shrub in one season.”
Distinguishing traits. ‘Grace’ is widely known for its showy pink clusters of flowers, arriving in early summer, followed by a brilliant display of red, burgundy and purple foliage lasting well into the end of the year. Light red leaves emerge come spring, signaling the restart of this beautiful cycle.
A vigorous grower, the open mounding habit of plant can be manipulated to any desired form. Whether you allow the plant to extend up and out to its mature potential, or prune back and maintained as a low shrub, the foliage and smoke-like bloom will stop anyone in his tracks — whether or not they like purple.
A vigorous grower, the open mounding habit of plant can be manipulated to any desired form. Whether you allow the plant to extend up and out to its mature potential, or prune back and maintained as a low shrub, the foliage and smoke-like bloom will stop anyone in his tracks — whether or not they like purple.
How to use it. As an upright shrub, ‘Grace’ can be as a focal plant, border plant, or mixed in a bed. The structured yet open form of the shrub paired with its distinct foliage works nicely with other plants with cooler colors. “It pairs well with grasses, hostas, and perennial flowers,” says Port.
In the landscape above, I love how ‘Grace’ comes off as a subtle accent in the landscape as well as a showstopping focal point along the staircase. Note how well the color and texture work with the other vegetation and concrete entry wall. It's an excellent choice for modern-architecture lovers still looking for a loose and inviting landscape.
In the landscape above, I love how ‘Grace’ comes off as a subtle accent in the landscape as well as a showstopping focal point along the staircase. Note how well the color and texture work with the other vegetation and concrete entry wall. It's an excellent choice for modern-architecture lovers still looking for a loose and inviting landscape.
Before you plant. ‘Grace’ prefers well-drained soil, thrives in soil with average to low fertility, and is disease-free and drought-tolerant. You really can’t grow wrong with this low-maintenance shrub.
If you so choose, cut the plant to the ground in late winter to enhance its use as a foliage plant and prepare it for its next growing season. Be aware that cutting 'Grace' back may mean no flowers for that year.
More great landscaping plants:
Feather Reed Grass | Bald Cypress | Walker's Low Catmint
Blue Chalk Sticks | New Zealand Wind Grass
If you so choose, cut the plant to the ground in late winter to enhance its use as a foliage plant and prepare it for its next growing season. Be aware that cutting 'Grace' back may mean no flowers for that year.
More great landscaping plants:
Feather Reed Grass | Bald Cypress | Walker's Low Catmint
Blue Chalk Sticks | New Zealand Wind Grass
Common names: 'Grace' smoke tree; 'Grace' smoketree; 'Grace' smoke bush; 'Grace' smokebush
USDA zones: 4-9
Water requirement: average; do not overwater
Sun requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 10-15’ h x 10-15’ spread
Tolerances: drought, no significant pest problems, deer, resistant to oak root fungus