Cotinus, also known as Smoke Bush, is a genus of shrubs/small trees which are highly valued in gardening for its vibrant foliage and distinctive, wispy flower clusters which resemble clouds of smoke.

This shrub will grow into an attractive specimen plant, a dramatic accent in mixed borders, or an informal hedge, offering multi-season interest in the garden. This versatile plant can tolerate a variety of conditions including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, which are moderately fertile and well drained as persistently wet soil can be a struggle for this genus.

Cotinus performs best in full sun, which ensures the most vibrant leaf and flower color. Leaves are typically oval-shaped and come in a variety of colors, including green, purple, and gold, depending on the cultivar. The autumn display is particularly striking, with leaves turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow before falling.

How to plant

— Cotinus are supplied as bare roots in spring for planting between February and May. They will require attention soon after delivery, bare roots require rehydration following transit. If you can't plant on the day of delivery, remove from the packaging and place the root in a bucket of water outside so it can soak, then plant within a week.

— Soak the roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting. They are usually successful when planted directly into a clear space in a well-cultivated border with good quality, crumbly and free draining soil. Dig over the area prior to planting, remove weeds and trim/cut back any encroaching branches from neighbouring established plants. Dig a hole large enough to fit the bare root so that the whole root system is fully submerged after planting. The stem/branches should remain above the soil surface after planting. Ensure the hole is the correct depth so that the soil is level with the point at which the roots meet the stem.

— To improve the growing conditions in the immediate area, mix some organic matter like compost or leaf mould into the planting hole. This provides a softer medium which is easier for the new roots to settle into, plus an additional boost of nutrients to help it grow. Avoid adding manure to the planting hole as this can be too rich and damage the young roots.

— Position the shrub in the hole with the best side facing into the garden. Backfill the hole, firm down and water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

— If your borders have challenging growing conditions/poor soil (heavy clay or light sandy soil) or if the border isn't ready for planting, you can pot up your bare root shrub so it can establish before transferring into a border later in the year. Pot up into a 20-30cm temporary pot using multipurpose or soil based compost. Ensure the roots are fully submerged and the stem is exposed above the soil surface. Water thoroughly and allow it to grow-on in a sheltered position outside. The shrub can be transplanted into a border once growth is established and the plant easily comes out of the pot with the soil held together in a root ball.

— When planting into the garden, choose a position which is in full sun or partial shade, with moist but well-drained soil.

— This shrub is deciduous and will lose its leaves in autumn. It is fully hardy and does not require winter protection.

— Water after planting and continue watering regularly, especially during the first year while the shrub settles in. Once established, watering is only necessary during particularly dry spells.

Aftercare

— Cotinus is supplied as a dormant bare root and will not usually have any leaves on arrival. Leaves will emerge in spring by around mid April.

— Once planted water for the first season, and second if necessary ensuring excess water can drain away. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant and needs minimal watering during dry spells.

— Young shrubs may not need pruning in the first one to two years, but a bushier hait can be achieved with a ligh trim after the flowers have faded and the leaves have fallen.

In future years, it may be necessary to remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches to maintain a good shape - this is best done in winter/early spring after the leaves have fallen.

— You can prune away any excess growth in winter/early spring. To rejuventate an established Cotinus shrub, the branches can be cut back hard (coppiced) to a low framework (main stames and branches). Do note that after a severe prune, the shrub will later produce vigorous new shoots, but at the expense of that season's 'smoke' plumes, which form on the previous year's growth.

— Apply a mulch of organic matter in winter or spring, to feed the shrub and retain moisture in the soil.

Read further general instructions about planting bare-root shrubs