Royal Purple Smoke Tree
Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
120 inches
Width
120 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Low to medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
20+ years
Native To
Southern Europe to central China
Toxicity
Sap may cause skin irritation; ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.
The Story
Plant Bio
Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' is known for its striking purple foliage and airy flower plumes. This cultivar has a unique dark purple leaf color that stands out in the landscape, providing excellent contrast.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select well-drained soil with moderate fertility for planting.
- Tuck seeds or cuttings in early spring for best germination.
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots.
- Mist cuttings weekly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
- Transplant mature plants in early spring after the last frost.
- Prune lightly in late winter to shape and remove dead branches.
Pro Tip
Use well-drained soil and prune annually to maintain shape and health.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune in late winter to promote dense growth
- Feed with balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Don't
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid heavy fertilization late in the season
- Don’t prune in late summer or fall
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Royal Purple Smoke Tree questions
What zones can Royal Purple Smoke Tree grow in?
Royal Purple Smoke Tree is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Royal Purple Smoke Tree deer resistant?
Yes — Royal Purple Smoke Tree is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Royal Purple Smoke Tree bloom?
Royal Purple Smoke Tree typically blooms in early summer through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Royal Purple Smoke Tree need full sun?
Royal Purple Smoke Tree does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Royal Purple Smoke Tree drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Royal Purple Smoke Tree handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Cotinus to compare
Winecraft Black Smokebush
Cotinus coggygria 'Winecraft Black'
Dusky Maiden Smoke Tree
Cotinus coggygria 'Dusky Maiden'
Smoketree
Cotinus coggygria
Grace Smokebush
Cotinus Grace' 'Grace'
Grace Smoke Tree
Cotinus Grace'
Golden Spirit Smoke Tree
Cotinus coggygria 'Golden Spirit'
Keep exploring
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Grow Royal Purple Smoke Tree with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
