Royal Purple Smoke Tree

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'

The Royal Purple Smoke Tree gets its name from the appearance of its flowers, which resemble puffs of smoke or clouds. In early summer, the tree produces clusters of small, fluffy flowers that range in color from pink to purple. These flowers create a captivating and ethereal effect in the garden.

However, it is important to note that the Royal Purple Smoke Tree is primarily grown for its foliage. The leaves of this tree are a deep, rich purple color, which intensifies throughout the growing season. The foliage provides a striking contrast against other plants in the landscape and can create a bold focal point.

In terms of size, the Royal Purple Smoke Tree can reach a height of about 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) with a similar spread. It has a rounded and spreading growth habit, and its branches may develop a slightly weeping appearance.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low maintenance. No serious pest or disease problems.  Some susceptibility to leaf spot, wilt, and rust.

LANDSCAPE USES: Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Wildlife Gardens, Naturalized Areas, Foundation Plantings, Hedges, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS:  Mock Orange, Hydrangea, Tickseed

IMAGES: Photoset by Leonora (Ellie) Enking, Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' (1)+(2), (2) AfroBrazilian: Aleksandrs Balodis, Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' 03, CC BY-SA 4.0, (3) KENPEI, Cotinus coggygria Royal Purple2, CC BY-SA 3.0, (4) Famartin, 2021-05-03 18 38 14 Royal Purple Smoke Tree leaves along Tayloe Court in the Franklin Farm section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, CC BY-SA 4.0, (5) Famartin, 2021-05-16 14 19 16 Flowers in spring on a Royal Purple Smoke Tree along Tayloe Court in the Franklin Farm section of Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, CC BY-SA 4.0

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.