Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’

(Purple Smoke Tree)

By November 15, 2022
Close up of purple red leaves with raindrops on a Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple', Purple Smoke Tree

About Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’ (Purple Smoke Tree)

This unusual deciduous plant is known as Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’. Its elliptical shaped foliage are colored purple with green undertones that turn a deep red during the fall season. In contrast, its seed clusters that closely resemble smoke are a unique addition adding splashes of pink throughout the tree during the summer season. Commonly known as Purple Smoke tree this specimen grows as a rounded growth habit and reaches an average mature landscape size of 9-10 feet wide by 15 feet tall. It is regularly grown as a large bush or a small tree.

Care and planting instructions

Plant Purple Smoke Tree in an area that receives full sun exposure using well draining soil. Water regularly after planting to reduce transplant shock and to encourage the growth of its roots. Once established, reduce frequency to occasional waterings and prune in the spring to encourage growth.

Landscape design ideas

Use Purple Smoke Tree as a focal point surrounded by low growing evergreen shrubs. This tree fits well in cottage style landscape designs or for those who regularly seek freshly cut flowers.


Botanical Name: Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'

Common Name: Purple Smoke Tree

Average Landscape Size: 9-19' x 15'

Plant Type: Evergreen

Foliage Color: Purple

Forms: Tree - multi trunk or standard trunk

Sizes: 1, 5 & 15 gallon

Special Features: Dramatic Color, Showy Spring Flowers, Ornamental Plant,