1 / 3

Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'

Royal Purple Smoke Bush

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.

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this 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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)