Cotinus coggygria Young Lady (Smokebush)
More floriferous than most other varieties, award-winner Cotinus coggygria ‘Young Lady’ (Smokebush) is a bushy deciduous shrub noted for its dwarf size, flowering at a young age, and profuse blooms. Appearing in late spring to mid-summer, large pink flower plumes cover the entire plant with fluffy, hazy ‘smoky’ puffs throughout early fall.
More floriferous than most other varieties, award-winner Cotinus coggygria 'Young Lady' (Smokebush) is a bushy deciduous shrub noted for its dwarf size, flowering at a young age, and profuse blooms. Appearing in late spring to mid-summer, large pink flower plumes cover the entire plant with fluffy, hazy 'smoky' puffs throughout early fall. When viewed en masse, these have a wispy 'smoke-like' appearance, hence the common name of Smoketree or Smokebush. The foliage of ovate, medium green leaves, 3 in. long (7 cm), remains fresh-looking throughout the growing season and turns glowing shades of yellow, red, and orange in fall. A spectacular accent shrub with a very long season of interest. Perfect for small gardens or containers.
- Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows with an upright and open, multiple-branching habit, up to 4-6 ft. tall and wide (120-180 cm).
- Performs best in full sun or part shade, in average, medium, well-drained soils. Best leaf coloration is obtained in full sun. Smoketree is not fussy about soils provided they are not soggy or wet. Good drainage is essential. Poor, rocky soils are tolerated. Keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season and apply a 1-2 in. (3-5 cm) layer of mulch to help retain moisture. Drought tolerant, once established.
- Virtually pest and disease free, however, watch for verticillium wilt. Deer tolerant.
- Excellent choice as a single specimen plant, massed in shrub borders or as an informal hedge, or for containers.
- Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 3 – 9 |
| Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Cotinus – Smoke Trees |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall |
| Height | 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm) |
| Spread | 4' – 6' (120cm – 180cm) |
| Spacing | 60″ – 72″ (150cm – 180cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy |
| Tolerance | Clay Soil, Deer, Drought |
| Attracts | Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |