Golden Spirit Smoke Tree
Cotinus coggygria 'Golden Spirit'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
120 inches
Width
120 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
20+ years
Native To
Southern Europe to central China
Toxicity
Sap may cause skin irritation; ingestion may cause stomach upset
The Story
Plant Bio
Cotinus coggygria 'Golden Spirit' is known for its striking golden-yellow foliage, which emerges in spring and turns to a vibrant shade in summer before fading in fall. It produces fluffy, smoke-like flower clusters, giving a unique appearance. This cultivar stands out due to its unique golden foliage color, making it a popular choice for providing contrasting color in the garden.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting.
- Tuck roots into the soil, ensuring the crown is level with the ground.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around roots.
- Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
- Fertilize annually with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Pro Tip
Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune annually to shape and remove dead branches
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Use organic compost for natural nourishment
Don't
- Overwater, which can lead to root rot ❌
- Forget to prune, resulting in leggy growth
- Plant in poorly drained soil
- Apply excessive fertilizer, which can stress the plant
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
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
Golden Spirit Smoke Tree questions
What zones can Golden Spirit Smoke Tree grow in?
Golden Spirit Smoke Tree is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Golden Spirit Smoke Tree deer resistant?
Yes — Golden Spirit Smoke Tree is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Golden Spirit Smoke Tree bloom?
Golden Spirit Smoke Tree typically blooms in late spring to early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Golden Spirit Smoke Tree need full sun?
Golden Spirit Smoke Tree does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Golden Spirit Smoke Tree drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Golden Spirit 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'
Royal Purple Smoke Tree
Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'
Dusky Maiden Smoke Tree
Cotinus coggygria 'Dusky Maiden'
Smoketree
Cotinus coggygria
Grace Smokebush
Cotinus Grace' 'Grace'
Grace Smoke Tree
Cotinus Grace'
Keep exploring
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Grow Golden Spirit 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.
