Smokebush

Gold Smokebush

Gold Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria) is a colorful deciduous shrub prized for its brilliant golden foliage, airy smoke-like flower clusters, and outstanding seasonal color. Its bright foliage provides excellent contrast against dark green, blue-green, and burgundy plants, making it a standout accent throughout the growing season. In late spring to early summer, small flowers develop into airy, feathery clusters that create the distinctive hazy "smoke" effect for which Smokebush is known. The golden foliage remains attractive throughout summer before developing warmer shades of orange, red, and gold as temperatures cool in fall. Gold Smokebush is an excellent choice for mixed borders, large foundation beds, mass plantings, screening, or as a dramatic specimen. Once established, it is tolerant of heat, drought, and relatively poor soils and performs especially well in sunny, well-drained landscapes. More About Gold Smokebush Low Maintenance Moderate Growing Deciduous Shrub Brilliant Golden Foliage Unique Smoke-Like Flower Display Excellent Fall Color Multi-Season Interest Drought Tolerant Once Established Heat Tolerant Mixed Border, Large Foundation Bed, Mass Planting, Screening, Accent, Specimen Upright, Rounded Habit Deer Resistant Height: 6-10 FeetSpread: 6-10 FeetHardiness Zone: 4-8 Characteristics Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Sun Season of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall Soil Moisture: Dry to Average, Well Draining Attributes: Upright, Rounded, Colorful, Drought Tolerant, Multi-Season Interest Foliage Color: Golden Yellow with Orange to Red Fall Color Flower Color: Airy, Smoky Pink to Tan Care & Maintenance Tips Planting:Plant in full sun for the strongest golden foliage color, densest growth, and best flowering. Gold Smokebush can tolerate some light shade, but excessive shade may cause the foliage to become greener and reduce flowering. It prefers well-drained soil and should not be planted in consistently wet locations. Watering:Water consistently during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, Gold Smokebush is drought tolerant and generally requires supplemental watering only during extended periods of hot, dry weather. Fertilizing:Smokebush generally requires very little fertilizer. If needed, apply a light application of balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering. Pruning:Very little pruning is required when allowed to develop its natural form. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter or early spring. Heavy pruning can encourage vigorous new foliage but may significantly reduce the smoke-like flower display for that season.