Cotinus coggygria
TAXONOMY
FamilyAnacardiaceae
GenusCotinus
Zone5
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Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Cotinus coggygria, commonly known as the smoke tree or smoke bush, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to southern Europe and central China. It is known for its striking, plume-like inflorescences that resemble puffs of smoke, giving the plant its common name. The plant prefers temperate climates and can grow up to 15 feet tall. It undergoes a dormancy period during the winter months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Rhus Cotina
Rhus Obovatifolia
Rhus Velutina
Smoke Bush
Cotinus cinerea
Cotinus coggygria f. atropurpureus
Cotinus coggygria f. pendulus
Cotinus coggygria subsp. glabra
Cotinus coggygria var. chengkouensis
Cotinus coggygria var. cinereus
Cotinus coggygria var. glaucophylla
Cotinus coggygria var. laevis
Cotinus coggygria var. parvifolia
Cotinus coggygria var. pendulus
Cotinus coggygria var. pubescens
Cotinus coggygria var. velutinus
Cotinus coriaria
Cotinus cotinus
Cotinus ellipticus
Cotinus velutina
Rhus cotinus
Rhus laevis
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Cotinus coggygria thrives in full sun and requires moderate temperatures. It prefers soil that dries out almost completely between waterings. The plant can tolerate a range of humidity levels but does best in moderate humidity. Regular pruning is recommended to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.Soil
The smoke tree prefers well-draining loamy soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but thrives best in moderately fertile soil. Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can harm the plant.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize the plant in early spring and again in mid-summer to support its growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.Repotting
Repot young plants every 2-3 years to provide fresh soil and more space for root growth. For mature plants, repotting is less frequent but should be done if the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage.Propagation
Propagate Cotinus coggygria through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the cuttings in a warm, humid environment until they establish roots.Pruning
Prune the smoke tree in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation. Pruning helps maintain the plant's shape and encourages vigorous new growth.Toxicity
Cotinus coggygria is generally non-toxic to pets and humans. However, as with any plant, it is best to prevent pets and children from ingesting any part of the plant to avoid potential digestive upset.Additional
The smoke tree is relatively low-maintenance once established and can be a striking addition to any garden. Its unique 'smoke-like' flowers and vibrant fall foliage make it a popular choice for ornamental planting.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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