Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'
Royal Purple Smoke Bush
- Family
- Anacardiaceae
- Height
- 8 to 12 feet
- Width
- 8 to 12 feet
- Flower color
- Small, pink flowers surrounded by smoky, purplish-pink plumes
- Foliage color
- Deep purple to burgundy leaves
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove old growth
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Bees, butterflies, and birds attracted to the flowers and seeds
About this plant
Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple', commonly known as Royal Purple smoke bush, is a deciduous shrub known for its rich purple foliage and dramatic blooms. In late spring to early summer, it produces large clusters of small, pinkish flowers with long, feathery filaments that create a smoky effect, giving the shrub its name. These airy plumes persist throughout the summer, adding a soft texture to the garden.
Native to southern Europe and parts of Asia, 'Royal Purple' is prized for its deep purple leaves that turn vibrant shades of red and orange in the fall. This cultivar offers year-round interest, from its colorful foliage in spring and summer to its dramatic autumn display. Its unique combination of bold color and texture makes it an excellent choice for adding visual impact to borders, focal points, or as a specimen plant.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Specimen Plants · Borders · Wildlife Gardens
Companion plants
Oleaster · Mexican orange blossom · Sneezeweed · Black-eyed Susan · Sea thrift · Common sage
Design tip
Deep purple foliage gives this large shrub enough visual weight to anchor a sunny planting, while its airy pink plumes keep the effect from feeling heavy. Nearby chartreuse or silvery foliage can sharpen the contrast, allowing both the rich leaf color and smoky flowers to stand out.
