Smoke trees and smoke bushes are two unique and eye-catching plants that can add great visual interest to gardens and landscapes. Both are known for their airy, wispy “smoke” that billows from their flowers or flower clusters, giving them a hazy, cloud-like appearance But there are some key differences between these two plants that are worth understanding when deciding which one is right for your space
Overview of Smoke Trees
The smoke tree, or Cotinus, is a genus of about 10-15 species of deciduous trees and shrubs within the Anacardiaceae family. They are native to wooded hillsides from southern Europe to central China. The most popular smoke tree species grown ornamentally is Cotinus coggygria, also known as the European smoketree or Venetian sumac.
Smoke trees are multi-stemmed, suckering shrubs or small trees that typically grow 10-15 feet tall with an equal spread, but can reach up to 30 feet tall under ideal conditions. They have oval, simple leaves that give brilliant displays of yellow, orange and red hues in the fall.
But the real showstopper is the smoke tree’s flowers. They bloom in spring in large, airy clusters that can be pink, yellow, white or green depending on variety. As the flowers fade, the flower clusters turn into wispy, smoke-like plumes that look almost like puffs of colorful smoke hovering over the branches. This is where it gets its common name.
Overview of Smoke Bushes
The smoke bush or Cotinus coggygria, is a deciduous shrub that also belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is native to southern Europe, southwest Asia and the southeastern parts of the U.S.
Smoke bushes are multi-stemmed shrubs that typically grow 8-15 feet tall and wide, with some varieties staying quite small at just 2-4 feet. The leaves are oval, around 1-3 inches long, and come in shades of green, purple, pink or yellow depending on variety.
Just like its tree cousin, the smoke bush is grown primarily for its airy smoke-like flower plumes that emerge in early summer after the actual flowers fade. These plumes come in shades of pink, purple, orange, yellow, white and green. In the fall, the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow.
Key Differences
Though smoke trees and smoke bushes look quite similar, there are some notable differences:
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Growth habit: Smoke trees are small trees that grow taller, with a single trunk and head. Smoke bushes are multi-stemmed shrubs.
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Height: Smoke trees grow significantly taller, up to 30 feet. Smoke bushes max out around 15 feet.
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Hardiness: Smoke trees are less hardy, only tolerating zones 5-8. Smoke bushes are very hardy, tolerating zones 4-8.
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Flowers: Smoke tree flowers tend to be larger and showier. Smoke bush flowers are smaller and more discreet.
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Foliage: Smoke tree leaves tend to be a bit larger and heartier. Smoke bushes have daintier, more delicate foliage.
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Pruning: Smoke trees require little pruning. Smoke bushes can benefit from occasional renewal pruning.
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Availability: Smoke bushes are easier to find from nurseries. Smoke trees are less common.
Best Uses in Landscaping
When selecting between a smoke tree and smoke bush, keep their size and growth habits in mind. Smoke trees work well as standalone specimen trees, while smoke bushes shine when planted in groups or mass plantings.
Here are some ideal uses for each:
Smoke Trees
- Accent or specimen tree
- Provides vertical interest
- Frames views and backdrops
- Parks and large landscapes
Smoke Bushes
- Mass plantings and hedge rows
- Mixed borders
- Foundations
- Screening
- Smaller residential gardens
Both smoke trees and smoke bushes add incredible visual interest and texture when used well. Play with different varieties and colors for even more diversity. And take advantage of their multi-season appeal with fiery fall color and unique summer smoke. Just be sure to give them plenty of room to reach their full size and habit.
Favorite Varieties
There are lots of great smoke tree and smoke bush varieties to choose from. Here are some top picks:
Smoke Trees
- Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’ – Deep reddish-purple leaves
- Cotinus coggygria ‘Golden Spirit’ – Bright yellow foliage
- Cotinus coggygria ‘Grace’ – Large, pink-purple plumes
Smoke Bushes
- Cotinus ‘Grace’ – Vibrant pink-purple smoke
- Cotinus ‘Velvet Cloak’ – Deep purple leaves
- Cotinus ‘Sunset’ – Orange-red-purple foliage
- Cotinus ‘Flame’ – Brilliant red-orange plumes
No matter which you choose, you can count on smoke trees and smoke bushes to create stunning visual drama in your landscape with their colorful foliage, fall color, and of course, their magical midsummer “smoke.” Give them plenty of space to grow, and they will thrive for years as an eye-catching garden specimen.
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How to Plant Smoketrees
Sun: Plant in full sun. Most varieties can tolerate light shade but the foliage and flowers will be much more spectacular if the tree gets sun all day.
Water: Smoketrees don’t need a lot of water once they’re established but they do need some when they’ve been recently planted – usually weekly for the first year, then every two weeks for another two years.
When to plant: The best time to plant a smoketree is in late spring, when the chance of a late frost has passed.
Following our in-depth guide below, which will give you the best chance of success at planting a smoketree:
Choose the smoketree that suits your garden best, taking account of climate, soil conditions and space – then order it from The Tree Center. Once your tree arrives you should prepare the ground for planting. Check the size of the root ball; dig a hole twice as wide as it, and as deep as the ball is high. Mix compost into the soil you dug out, at a ratio of about one part compost to five parts soil.
Next, unwrap the tree’s root ball and remove any string or wire. Unwind any roots that have encircled the ball, and loosen the mass. Place the tree upright in the center of the hole and half fill it with the earth and compost mix. Water lightly to settle the soil around the roots then fill the hole the rest of the way and tamp it down gently.
The next step is to build a three-inch high ring of soil around the base of the tree, slightly wider than the root ball. Spread a two inch layer of mulch – shredded bark or wood chippings are ideal – inside the ring, leaving a small gap around the trunk to prevent rot. Water well and leave to stand for a few hours; check to ensure that the soil is moist but not saturated; add more water if required.
While smoketrees do well in moist soil, once they’re established they are quite tolerant to varying conditions. They’re quite drought resistant and can also survive periods when the soil is saturated. Relatively dry soil is the best option, however; this will give you the best foliage and flowers. Therefore you should avoid locations close to water features like ponds or creeks, as the ground is likely to be too wet. If you do live in a wetter area a raised spot in your garden is a good choice for smoketrees.
Because smoketrees prefer poorer quality, infertile soil, they rarely need any fertilizer. In most cases using fertilizer will result in the tree growing too quickly and becoming vulnerable to verticillium wilt, so it should generally be avoided. However mulch is a good idea. It can deliver small quantities of natural nutrients without the potentially harmful effects of fertilizer, and will also help keep the soil at a suitable moisture level. At the very least mulch should be spread inside the water retention ring while the tree is settling in, but once it’s established keeping the root zone covered will still be beneficial.
Smoketrees are an outstanding choice if you’re looking for a spectacular small tree for your garden. Few other shrubs can create such an impressive effect, and it’s also a long-lasting one; while most flowering trees bloom for a few weeks in late spring, a smoketree will put on its display through most of the summer, usually from June to September and sometimes even longer. It can be pruned or coppiced to give a more compact form or allowed to grow naturally, although you should be aware that while pruning improves the foliage (and the fall display) it can reduce the flowers; we recommend that you keep pruning as light as possible.
Hardiness Zone
- 4 to 86
- 8 to 122
- 12 to 201
All About Royal Purple Smoke Tree
FAQ
Are smoke bush and smoke tree the same?
I’ve always appreciated the value of smokebush (also called smoke tree) out in the landscape as a solidly performing woody plant with plenty of “curb appeal”.
Can you make a smoke bush into a tree?
I’ve read that if you want to prune a smokebush into a smoketree, you should begin pruning when the shrub is young. Smokebushes are notorious for suckering, and once a gazillion suckers have taken hold, pruning the shrub into a tree is extremely difficult.
What is the problem with the American Smoketree?
The tree is generally disease resistant. The most serious problem is Verticillium wilt. The tree also has some susceptibility to leaf spots and rust, but these are not usually serious problems. Long-lasting, summer “smoke” display makes this a striking accent plant.
What are the cons of Royal Purple smoke tree?
Pests/Problems
Royal Purple Smokebush has no major insect or disease issues. Occasionally, this plant can be attacked by leaf rollers and scale. Verticillium Wilt and rusts may also be an issue if the plant is already stressed. To avoid these issues, keep your shrub healthy by watering and applying mulch as necessary.