What soil does Smoke bush grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Smoke bush toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

How far from the house should Smoke bush be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Smoke bush flower?

Flowering: May–July, yellow, pink.

How much water does Smoke bush need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Smoke bush cost?

It sells for roughly €8.60 to €150 in local shops, depending on size.

Smoke bush

Cotinus coggygria

Smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria) is a shrub. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €8.60.

Illustration of Smoke bush — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A large, spreading deciduous shrub known for the smoke-like, pinkish, fluffy plumes it carries in summer and for its yellow, orange and purple-red autumn colour. It is happiest in sun on dry, even limy and stony ground and copes well with drought; gardens mostly grow its purple-leaved forms. Keep it out of heavy, waterlogged soil and give it plenty of room.

Watch out for

Its most serious disease is verticillium wilt, which makes whole branches die suddenly, mostly on wet, heavy soil. Leaf spot and, in dry weather, powdery mildew also occur. Purple-leaved forms turn green in shade. The resinous sap can irritate sensitive skin, so wear gloves when pruning.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 3 m × 3 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–July, yellow, pink

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	3 m × 3 m
Ultimate size	3–5 m × 3–4.5 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–July, yellow, pink
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	250 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about €8.60

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
30-40 cm	approx. €18
30-35 cm	approx. €20
40-60 cm	approx. €8.60
40-50 cm	approx. €23
60-70 cm	approx. €40
100-125 cm	approx. €22
125-150 cm	approx. €63
150-175 cm	approx. €150
size not stated	approx. €16 – €31

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant shrubs Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Plants for screening Low-maintenance shrubs Plants for a Mediterranean garden Flowering shrubs Plants with autumn colour Shrubs with autumn colour

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Smoke bush vs Common lilac Smoke bush vs Preston lilac

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