The Royal Purple Smoke Bush – A Stunning Addition to Any Landscape

The royal purple smoke bush, also known as Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’, is a gorgeous ornamental shrub admired for its deep purple foliage and airy, smokey plumes of flowers This medium-sized deciduous shrub can bring striking color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the growth rate and other key facts about this eye-catching plant.

An Overview of the Royal Purple Smoke Bush

With its regal purple leaves and flowers that emerge in dreamy, smoke-like puffs, it’s easy to see why the royal purple smoke bush is so beloved by gardeners. Here’s a quick rundown of some key facts about this plant:

• Botanical Name: Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’
• Common Names: Royal purple smoke bush, royal purple smoke tree
• Mature Size: 10-15 feet high and wide
• Flower Color: Pink, purple
• Leaf Color: Deep reddish-purple
• Hardiness Zones: 5-9
• Native Range: Europe, Western Asia
• Water Needs: Moderate; drought tolerant when mature
• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade

With its manageable size and ability to thrive in a range of climates the royal purple smoke bush can work well in many landscapes. Next let’s look at this plant’s growth rate.

The Moderate Growth Rate of the Royal Purple Smoke Bush

When it comes to its growth rate the royal purple smoke bush is considered moderately fast growing. It can gain around 1-2 feet in height and width per year when planted in ideal conditions. Here are some details on the growth pattern of this ornamental shrub

• In the first year after planting, expect growth of 12-24 inches as the small shrub establishes itself. Provide extra water during this time.

• During years 2-5, growth of 1-2 feet per year is common if planted in full sun and fertile, well-draining soil.

• The shrub reaches its mature size of 10-15 feet tall x wide within 5-10 years after planting.

• Growth begins to slowly decline after the shrub reaches maturity. Proper pruning is important to maintain good shape and flowering.

• With an upright, multi-stemmed form, the purple smoke bush has a naturally informal look. If left unpruned, it may become leggy over time.

• Growth rate can be affected by soil quality, sunlight, and watering. Poor conditions will result in slower growth.

So in optimum conditions, you can expect your royal purple smoke bush to fill out at a moderate, steady pace, reaching its full size within about a decade. Next, let’s go over some growing conditions that help this plant thrive.

Growing Conditions for Optimal Growth Rate

To achieve the best growth rate from your royal purple smoke bush, provide the following care:

Sunlight

• Plant in a spot with full sun (minimum 6 hours direct sun daily).

• Morning sun with afternoon shade also works well.

• Insufficient sunlight leads to diminished growth and lackluster leaf color.

Soil

• Prefers well-draining loam but adapts to most soils, except poorly draining clay.

• Amend heavy clay with organic compost to improve drainage before planting.

• A pH between 6.0-7.0 is ideal but can tolerate a range of soil pH levels.

Water

• Water 1-2 times per week while establishing for the first year.

• After establishment, water during drought 1 time per 7-10 days.

• Avoid overwatering, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Temperature

• Performs best in zones 5-9. Can survive winters in zone 4 with protection.

• Does not tolerate extreme heat over 95°F. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates.

• Mulch around the base to help maintain cool roots.

Fertilizer

• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which cause leggy growth.

• Every 2-3 years, apply compost around the base to replenish nutrients.

Pruning

• Prune annually in late winter to remove dead stems and shape growth.

• Cut 1/3 of old stems each year to encourage new growth and maintain size.

• Never prune more than 1/3 of branches at one time to prevent shock.

By tailoring its care to provide optimal sun, soil, water, and pruning, you can achieve vigorous growth from your royal purple smoke bush. Avoid stressors like overwatering, intense heat, and nutrient deficiencies for best results.

Ideas for Using Royal Purple Smoke Bush in Landscapes

Thanks to its regal beauty and medium size, the royal purple smoke bush has many great applications in landscapes:

• Use as a specimen plant or focal point, allowing its vivid color and flowers to take center stage.

• Plant as part of a mixed border with complements like red roses, yellow yarrow, and white daisies.

• Grow as foundation plantings near entries to make a bold impression. Leave 3-4 feet between the shrub and structure.

• Use it to create a bright hedge, either on its own or paired with green shrubs. Space plants 6-10 feet apart.

• Include it in a shade garden that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. Pair with hostas, ferns, and astilbe.

• Place it behind smaller plants in island beds and other groupings so its purple leaves show above.

• Grow in containers on patios and decks to add striking color near outdoor living areas.

With proper placement, the vivid purple hues and smoky blooms of the royal purple smoke bush can make a stunning statement in gardens, yards, and landscapes.

Caring for Royal Purple Smoke Bush: Quick Tips

• For first year, water 1-2 times per week & mulch. Ease watering after establishment.

• Prune annually in late winter. Never remove more than 1/3 oldest branches at once.

• Fertilize in early spring with balanced, slow-release fertilizer.

• Plant in full sun for strongest color. Afternoon shade in hot zones.

• Well-draining soil enriched with compost is ideal. Avoid wet, clay soil.

• Space at least 10-15 feet apart for air circulation and disease prevention.

• Remove spent flowers in summer but keep seed heads for winter interest.

• Watch for signs of verticillium wilt disease like wilting leaves or early fall color.

• In autumn, foliage turns to shades of orange, red-purple for added seasonal interest.

With its royal purple foliage, fading to brilliant fall tones, along with its smoky blooms, the Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’ is a head-turning choice for gardens that crave vivd color. By providing this easy-care shrub with well-drained soil and sufficient sunlight, you can enjoy its moderate, steady growth for years to come. Let the royal purple smoke bush cast its colorful spell on your landscape today!