Dusky Maiden Smoke Tree
Cotinus coggygria 'Dusky Maiden'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
96 inches
Width
96 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Decades
Native To
Southern Europe, Asia
Toxicity
Mildly toxic; sap may cause skin irritation
The Story
Plant Bio
A deciduous shrub prized for its large, wavy-edged, deep purple-red leaves and large, feathery, pinkish-purple flower plumes in summer, which create a 'smoky' effect. A more compact and bushy cultivar with exceptionally large, wavy leaves that emerge coppery-bronze, mature to deep purple-red, and turn bright orange, red, and yellow in fall.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting.
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into moist soil in early spring for best germination.
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots.
- Mist cuttings weekly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth.
- Prune lightly in late winter to shape the shrub and remove dead wood.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune in late winter to maintain shape
- Fertilize annually with organic compost
- Mulch around base to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don't prune in late summer to prevent sap bleeding
- Refrain from using synthetic fertilizers excessively
- Don't plant in poorly drained soil
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| 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
Dusky Maiden Smoke Tree questions
What zones can Dusky Maiden Smoke Tree grow in?
Dusky Maiden 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 Dusky Maiden Smoke Tree deer resistant?
Yes — Dusky Maiden Smoke Tree is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Dusky Maiden Smoke Tree bloom?
Dusky Maiden Smoke Tree typically blooms in 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 Dusky Maiden Smoke Tree need full sun?
Dusky Maiden Smoke Tree does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Dusky Maiden Smoke Tree drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Dusky Maiden 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'
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 Dusky Maiden 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.
