Smokebush - Velvet Cloak

Velvet Cloak Smokebush, cotinus coggygria 'Velvet Cloak', is an upright and spreading form of Smokebush, which maintains it's dark purple color extremely well throughout summer, with panicles of smoky-purple to beige flowers blooming in mid-summer. Many people grow this shrub just for its vivid fall color. May be pruned back hard in spring. If pruned to 6 to 8 inches tall in winter, it will produce long stems with striking, oversized foliage. It is a tough and tolerant shrub, requiring well-drained soil; and Velvet Cloak Smokebush thrives in part to full sun; the leaves are greener in shade, burgundy in full sun. With minimal pruning it will naturally form a large shrub or small tree over time. This gives the effect of a cloud of smoke. It tolerates considerable drought once it is established. It makes a wonderful accent as a shrub border, can be planted as a specimen, or as a patio tree. ... more information