Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’ – Purple Leafed Smoke Bush

Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’ or Purple Leafed Smoke Bush is a large, deciduous shrub with deep purple leaves. Growing up to 5m tall means these can be pruned to look like a tree, and the colour of their leaves makes a stunning display in any garden.  These dark purple leaves are round in shape and become more red during autumn.  This lends it to being used in a garden design for creating colour contrast with other plants, maybe using it close to something with silver leaves like Pyrus salicifolia ‘Pendula’ can create a very beautiful effect.  Towards the end of summer the whole bush gets covered with large feathery pink inflorescences (flowers). This gives the effect of the bush smoking which is where the tree gets its common name (Smoke Bush) from.