Cotinus coggygria Golden Spirit – Smoke Bush

The first golden-leaved smoke bush, Cotinus coggygria Golden Spirit is a large, deciduous shrub with a shapely, rounded, bushy habit. The leaves are almost circular; they open bronze, turning golden yellow, and in autumn develop tints of red, orange and coral. The green flowers are innavidually insignificant, but are borne in yellow plumes which rise above the shrub like smoke, giving the plant its common name. An easy shrub which needs little pruning, it looks particularly good with bronze-leaved plants. Smoke bush Golden Spirit holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any light, fertile, well-drained soil
Position: Full sun or dappled shade
Season of interest: Spring to autumn
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 10’ (3m) Spread: (2m); can grow bigger

This Golden Spirit Cotinus coggygria (Smoke Bush) is a great addition to your garden. Plant it in a spot that gets full sun or dappled shade. It can handle exposure well. Use a light, fertile, well-drained soil. It doesn’t need much pruning, making it easy to maintain. Just enjoy its beautiful leaves that change color throughout the seasons. In spring, they start as bronze, turn golden yellow in summer, and show off red, orange, and coral hues in autumn. The yellow plumes that look like smoke add a unique touch. Keep in mind it’s fully hardy, so it can withstand different weather conditions. It can grow up to 10 feet (3m) tall and 2m wide, and might even get bigger over time.