Cotinus coggygria 'Velveteeny' – Velveteeny Smokebush

Transform your landscape with the dramatic, compact charm of Velveteeny smokebush! This dwarf cultivar delivers all the bold theatrical impact of classic purple smokebushes in a space-saving silhouette designed for modern gardens. Silky, rounded leaves emerge in a deep, rich burgundy and retain their saturated colour all summer long without fading under full sun. In early summer, large feathery plumes of purplish-pink flowers rise above the branches, creating a captivating mist-like smoke effect. It stands out as an irresistible focal point for borders, urban yards, and patio containers!

Characteristics

• Foliage : Deciduous, rounded, silky leaves showing deep purple-burgundy all summer long, blazing into brilliant scarlet and orange tones in autumn.
• Flowering : Feathery, airy purplish-pink flower plumes resembling puffs of smoke drifting above the foliage in June and July.
• Light : Full sun to maximize deep foliage colour intensity; tolerates very light shade.
• Habit : Dwarf, dense, and naturally rounded shrub.
• Growth : Moderate, reaching approximately 90 to 120 cm in height and spread at maturity.
• Soil : Adapts readily to a wide variety of well-drained soils, including sandy, rocky, poor, or moderately rich soils; dislikes heavy, waterlogged conditions.
• Temperature : Hardy to zone 5.
• Resistance : Naturally repels white-tailed deer as well as hare and rabbit due to aromatic foliage; provides excellent resistance to summer drought, intense heat, and common pests.

Use

• Types of use : Plant in shrub groupings, along colourful walkway borders, as an eye-catching accent in small gardens, or in spacious containers for sunny patios.
• Decorative advantages : Creates dramatic contrast when paired with chartreuse, golden, or silver foliage and yellow perennials while adding airy texture.

Maintenance

• Watering : Water thoroughly and regularly during establishment; reduce watering frequency once well rooted, as it tolerates dry soil exceptionally well.
• Fertilization : Apply a balanced slow-release granular fertilizer or top-dress with compost in early spring; avoid heavy nitrogen feeds that may dull leaf colour.
• Pruning : Prune lightly in early spring to shape the silhouette and remove winter-damaged wood; avoid hard pruning if you want to enjoy abundant summer flower plumes.
• Planting : Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, set the crown level with the soil line in well-drained ground, backfill, and spread organic mulch to retain soil moisture.
• Winter protection : Shelter from cold prevailing winds during the first two winters using burlap or an appropriate winter cover.

(syn. Cotinus coggygria 'Cotsidh5')