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‘Grace’

Smokebush

Cotinus x dummeri

'Grace'

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Close up of dark purple foliage and smoky red blooms of Cotinus Grace Close up of deep red purple foliage of Cotinus Grace
  • Colorful foliage
  • Deer resistant
  • Versatile habit
Description

'Grace' is a hybrid smokebush, a cross between our native C. obovatus and C. 'Velvet Cloak.' It offers months of color: new leaves emerge an intense wine-red and mature to dusky reddish-blue, followed by truly stunning fall color. Masses of large pink flower panicles in early summer.

USDA Zone
4 - 8 (-30°F/-34°C)
Exposure
Full sun
Height
10 - 15'
Width
10 - 15'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Summer
Flower Color
Pink
Foliage Color
Purple
Liner Sizes
2 1/4"

Soil

Cotinus is not finicky about soil and can grow in any well-drained site. Tolerates dry conditions well.

Pruning

Though cotinus tolerates pruning well, it typically needs little regular pruning. Cut selectively as needed. Note that Cotinus blooms on old wood, so spring pruning will remove flowers for the year. Avoid cutting into thick stems unless removing them entirely.

Uses

Specimen plant; mixed borders; foundation planting; hedge.

Growing Tips

May be grown as a shrub or small tree. Though its flowers contribute significant interest, many gardeners grow it solely as a foliage plant by coppicing it each spring.

Features: Fall interest, Deer resistant, Foliage interest, Clay soil, Alkaline soil

Filters: Botanical genus: Cotinus, Common name: Smokebush, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Bloom time: Summer, Pink flowers, Purple foliage

Features: Fall interest, Deer resistant, Foliage interest, Clay soil, Alkaline soil

Filters: Botanical genus: Cotinus, Common name: Smokebush, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Bloom time: Summer, Pink flowers, Purple foliage