Cotinus plants (smoke bush)
Cotinus plants are large, deciduous free-flowering shrubs or small trees producing large plumes of feathery flower heads in summer, typically in shades of pink, purple and whites. When in full bloom, cotinus takes the appearance of being covered in clouds of smoke, giving it's common name, the smoke bush. They are grown for their beautiful, rounded leaves, often in elegant deep-purples and yellow-golds. Cotinus work well grown on their own as a large specimen shrub, or used in groups in the mixed border. Purple-leaved varieties such as Cotinus Royal Purple are perfect for providing contrast in the border, ideally in a warm, sunny spot to bring out their best foliage colour. They continue to provide interest into the autumn with foliage taking on stunning shades of coral pink, red, orange and gold before they lose their leaves. Cotinus can grow quite large - some varieties up to around 4 metres tall and wide - but can be pruned severely if needed to control their size.