COTINUS COGGYGRIA 'ROYAL PURPLE'

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'

Commonly known as the 'Smoke Tree' due to the wispy, 'smoke-like' appearance of its feathery plumes, Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' is a popular, multiple-branching, deciduous ornamental shrub. The genus name derives from the Greek word 'kotinus' meaning olive.

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' was a selected cultivar raised at Lombarts Nursery in Boskoop, Holland, and introduced into the United States in 1953.

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'

The true species is native to a large area from southern Europe, east across central Asia and the Himalayas to northern China and has been grown in Britain since 1656

Noted for its velvety, dark-purple foliage and flowers, under favourable conditions it will mature over time to reach an approximate height of between 3-5 metres. Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' is generally as tall as it is wide.The ovate to obovate leaves are up to 7 cm long and emerge a rich maroon red in spring. They will turn their characteristically dark purplish-red to purplish-black later on in the summer. Small purple flowers are produced in July borne on loose, feathery panicles of blooms.

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' is surprisingly easy to grow and will perform well in most ordinary, well-drained garden soils. Provide a position of full sun to achieve the darkest colour,

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in 1993.

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COTINUS COGGYGRIA 'ROYAL PURPLE'