Purple Smoke Bush (Cotinus coggygria Purpureus Group) is a large deciduous shrub with stunning purple round leaves that turn magnificent red-purple in autumn. The open fluffy flower heads are also purple and can cover the plant from late spring into summer.
A great garden plant and can be used very effectively contrasted with grey foliage or other combinations. Also very handy in the vase as a soft deep purple accompaniment to similar or contrasting coloured roses and other garden plants. Prune hard to encourage masses of foliage, use a lighter hand to encourage flowering.
Try our guide Autumn foliage selection made easy.
- Flowers: Purple plumes, late spring to summer
- Size: About 3 m tall x 2 m wide
- Uses: Large garden shrub, cut flower, ecoprint fabric dyeing
- Features: Drought tolerant once the have established, stunning purple foliage and autumn colours too
- Also known as: Purple Smokebush, Cotinus coggygria Purple Form
References:
Lord, E. E. and Willis, J. H. (1982) Shrubs and trees for Australian gardens (5th ed). Lothian Publishing Company, Melbourne.
Reference (accessed 17/5/2025)
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Image 2: Copyright Heritage Fruit Trees representative - purple Cotinus in vase with roses
