Also known as Smokebush · 487 saves
Cotinus
Cotinus, the genus most gardeners know as smokebush. We track 7 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 7 most-saved Cotinus varieties
2 species of Cotinus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Cotinus in Sow
Save the Cotinus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Cotinus
Whats common across all Cotinus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 7 most-grown of them.
The Cotinus year
- PruneJanuary and February100% of varieties
Prune lightly for shape and flowers, or hard (coppice) in late winter for best foliage color.
- PlantFebruary, March, September and October57% of varieties
Plant container stock in early spring or fall.
- MulchMarch43% of varieties
Apply a layer of mulch in spring to conserve moisture.
- FertilizeMarch43% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer only if growth is sluggish.
Do
- Prune in late winter to maintain shape
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Prune in late winter to promote dense growth
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not prune in late summer or fall
- Avoid planting in heavy clay without improving drainage
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Cotinus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply sulfur fungicide or neem oil |
| Leaf Spot | Dark spots on leaves | Remove affected leaves and improve air circulation |
| Leaf spot | Dark spots on leaves | Apply copper fungicide and remove affected leaves |
Making more Cotinus
Cuttings
- Take 6-inch hardwood cuttings in late winter
- Dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil
- Keep humidity high for 6 weeks
- Transplant once rooted
Seeds
- Collect seeds in fall
- Stratify in moist sand for 8 weeks
- Plant in spring in prepared soil
- Water regularly
- Germination occurs in 4-6 weeks
Cotinus questions
How many types of Cotinus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Cotinus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 487 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Cotinus grow in?
Across its varieties, Cotinus covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Cotinus bloom?
Most Cotinus varieties bloom in late summer, early summer, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Cotinus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.