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photo of Tim Wood

Meet the Breeder

Tim Wood
Grand Haven, MI, USA

THE VELVET FOG®

Smokebush

Cotinus coggygria

'SMNCCPP3'

PP#32,352; CBRAF

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Velvet Fog Smokebush's large smoke-like pink plumes. "} Velvet Fog Smokebush in a garden. The large pink plumes of Velvet Fog Smokebush. The large pink plumes of Velvet Fog Cotinus Close-up of the pink smoke-like plumes of The Velvet Fog Smokebush. Velvet Fog Smokebush in a trial field. YouTube video describing the plant shown on this page
  • Very floriferous
  • Lush habit
  • Deer resistant
Description

In the words of breeder Tim Wood - "It's got more smoke than a KISS concert!" Very large pink plumes develop in mid-summer, covering the waxy blue-green foliage. It's a stunning color combination. The Velvet Fog smokebush was selected for its outstanding flower production as well as its dense growth, providing a lusher look than conventional cotinus. 

USDA Zone
4 - 8 (-30°F/-34.4°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
5 - 8'
Width
6'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Summer
Flower Color
Pink
Foliage Color
Green, Blue
Liner Sizes
2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

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 entir

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.

  • Grower Sheet: The Velvet Fog® Smokebush Professional Grower Sheet
  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week November 26, 2019
  • Benchcard: The Velvet Fog® Cotinus Benchcard
  • Spec Sheet: The Velvet Fog® Cotinus spec sheet
  • Tag: The Velvet Fog® Cotinus Tag

    • Features: Alkaline soil, Clay soil, Cut flower, Deer resistant, Fall interest

    Filters: Botanical genus: Cotinus, Common name: Smokebush, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, Pink flowers, Green foliage, Blue foliage

    Features: Alkaline soil, Clay soil, Cut flower, Deer resistant, Fall interest

    Filters: Botanical genus: Cotinus, Common name: Smokebush, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Summer, Pink flowers, Green foliage, Blue foliage