Cotinus

These shrubs are prized for their richly coloured foliage, especially the purple or acid-green cultivars. The leaves are particularly vibrant in spring, and in autumn before they fall, turning shades of red and orange. Masses of tiny pinkish flowers like clouds of smoke (hence the common name, smoke bush) appear in summer. Over time they can grow quite large, but can be kept to a manageable size by annual pruning.

Grow in fertile, well-draining soil in sun or light shade. Purple-leaved plants will produce the best leaf colour in full sun.

Cotinus can struggle both in very poor, dry soil and heavy waterlogged soil. In deep shade, leaf colour and flowering will be poor.

For the best leaf display, and to keep plants compact, stems can be cut back hard to a low framework in late winter or early spring – see our guide to pruning for larger leaves for full details.