The Shrub With Gorgeous Foliage That Will Thrive Even In Poor Soil

When you hear the name "smokebush," something dramatic might come to mind — something akin to the Biblical burning bush. Though Cotinus coggygria, also known as smokebush or smoketree, is gorgeous, you will not be hearing any voices from it. Where there's smoke, you won't necessarily find fire, as the "smoke" in this case is simply the large, wispy panicle flowers of a hardy shrub. Clustered together, these dusty pink flowers form the smoky cloud that gives smokebush its name.

Smokebush is classified as a shrub, but it can grow quite tall, reaching anywhere from 10 to 12 feet tall and just as wide. While it might not be the best flowering shrub to plant if you have a small yard or garden, it is a good addition to larger yards that might not have the best soil conditions. Though smokebush is native to southern Europe and central China, it grows well in North America, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8.

If you're looking for a flowering shrub that will bring drama to your yard, smokebush has you covered. Of its many cultivars, the 'Royal Purple' is the most popular, since its vibrant purple blooms add an intense splash of color to a garden. Other cultivars include 'Pink Champagne,' 'Nordine Red,' and 'Daydream.' Regardless of your cultivar choice, make sure to plant it in a sunny part of your garden.

Plan to plant your selected cultivar in the spring or fall, avoiding freezes in both cases. If you've purchased a containerized smokebush, water it while it's in its original container. While it absorbs that water, dig your hole, then gently work the smokebush from its container and into the ground. For bare-root smokebushes, soak the roots for one to two hours before planting, and dig a hole 6 inches wider than the widest part of the root ball to leave room to spread the roots. Replace the soil and pat it down to nestle the plant into the ground. In both cases, a layer of mulch can help the plant remain healthy and slightly moist as it acclimates to its new home.

Poor soil quality is no problem when growing smokebush. If you asked it, it would say that it would like well-draining, loamy soil, but it can tolerate dry and alkaline soil without a fuss, though it dislikes very wet soil. Smokebush is so humble and hardy that it can be short-lived in rich soils, but it's a perfect fit for dry, rocky soil that you may have otherwise given up growing plants in. As far as pH is concerned, smokebush is characteristically not picky, able to grow in acidic and alkaline conditions.

Smokebush does so well in dry soil partly because it is drought tolerant. Once you've planted it in your yard, you'll only need to water it until it becomes established. Since smokebush is unique, beautiful, and low maintenance, you might be thinking it's perfect, but it does have one downside — a housecat's lifespan. The plant only lasts around 20 years, but it makes the most of the time it has.