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photo of Dr. Tom Ranney

Meet the Breeder

Dr. Tom Ranney
North Carolina, USA

WINECRAFT BLACK®

Smokebush

Cotinus coggygria

'NCCO1'

USPP 30,216; CBR 6513

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Small Winecraft Black Cotinus in landscape with hydrangeas Blooming Winecraft Black Cotinus in garden Near black foliage on Winecraft Black Cotinus in landscape with lacecap hydrangeas Close up of Winecraft Black Cotinus' near black foliage Blooming Winecraft Black Cotinus in trial field Close up of three smoky red Winecraft Black Cotinus blooms Close up of Winecraft Black Cotinus' bloom against sky Orange red fall color of Winecraft Black Cotinus in decorative black cotainer
  • Colorful foliage
  • Semi-dwarf habit
  • Deer resistant
Description

Compact dark-leaf cotinus!

The first-ever Proven Winners® smokebush would have to be special - and indeed, it is. Winecraft Black® cotinus starts the season with rich purple foliage, becoming deeper in color until it's nearly black; fall then turns it brilliant orange. Early summer brings wispy red flowers that become the beautiful, hazy-violet "smoke" that give this plant its name. Rounded habit offers a more compact presentation than conventional smokebush. Great color even under poly helps ensure spring sales!

USDA Zone
4 - 8 (-30°F/-34°C)
Exposure
Full sun
Height
4 - 6'
Width
4 - 6'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Summer
Flower Color
Purple
Foliage Color
Purple
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 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.

  • Spec Sheet: Winecraft Black® Cotinus spec sheet
  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week August 22, 2019
  • Benchcard: Winecraft Black® Cotinus benchcard
  • Tag: Winecraft Black® Cotinus
  • Grower Sheet: Winecraft Black® Cotinus grower sheet
  • Booklet/Brochure: Top 10 Landscape Shrubs - 2021

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

    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, Bloom time: Summer, Purple flowers, Purple foliage

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

    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, Bloom time: Summer, Purple flowers, Purple foliage