Smoke Bush 'Flame' (Cotinus coggygria × C. obovatus 'Flame') is a spectacular deciduous shrub grown for its brilliant autumn display, when its rounded green leaves transform into glowing shades of orange, scarlet and crimson. In summer, airy clouds of soft pink flower plumes create the distinctive "smoke" effect that gives the plant its common name. Believed to have originated in France in the early twentieth century, 'Flame' remains one of the finest smoke bushes for reliable autumn colour and is an excellent specimen or feature plant. Royal Horticultural Society Recommended: Award of Garden Merit.
Need help? Visit our growing guide, care & planting instructions and autumn foliage guide for practical advice.
- Flowers: Large airy pink "smoke-like" plumes (sterile flower stalks) in early to mid-summer (December–January); not strongly scented.
- Size: About 4–6 m high × 3–4 m wide.
- Uses: Feature tree or large shrub, autumn colour, specimen planting, mixed borders, parks and large gardens.
- Attributes: Hardy, drought tolerant once established, adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soils, reliable performer, moderate growth rate.
- Features: Rounded green foliage turning brilliant orange, scarlet and crimson in autumn; attractive smoky flower plumes; picturesque branching with age.
- Also known as: Smoke Bush, Smoke Tree; often listed as Cotinus 'Flame' or Cotinus coggygria 'Flame'. Modern authorities consider it a hybrid between C. coggygria and C. obovatus (sometimes referred to as a Dummer hybrid).
Keep your collection labelled. Add a durable engraved plant label to your order, and order extra labels for existing plants so every tree in your collection stays correctly named.
References include:
Edwards, C., & Marshall, D. (2019). Cotinus. Royal Horticultural Society.
Johnson, O. (2025). Cotinus coggygria × obovatus. Trees and Shrubs Online.
Image: Copyright Heritage Fruit Trees
