Winecraft Gold® Smokebush

Cotinus coggygria 'MINCOJAU3'

Proven Winners®

Multi-Phase Foliage Color: Features a dramatic color shift from spring orange to summer gold, finishing in a cool chartreuse.
Compact, Dense Habit: Reaches a manageable 4-6 feet tall and wide at maturity, requiring less space and pruning than traditional varieties.
Reliable Hardiness: Proven to thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8.
Low Maintenance & Deer Resistant: Highly resistant to deer browsing and adaptable to various soil types once established.

$27⁹⁹

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Quart Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This shrub performs best in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light to maintain its brilliant golden color. While it tolerates partial shade, the foliage may shift toward a duller lime green and produce fewer pink "smoke" plumes.
Soil: Use well drained soil to prevent root rot. If you are dealing with heavy clay, mix in organic compost or plant the shrub in a slightly raised mound to improve drainage and help the roots breathe.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, give your shrub a deep soak once or twice a week to help the roots establish. Once mature, the plant is quite drought tolerant and usually only needs supplemental water during long periods of extreme heat. Inconsistent watering during the establishment phase can lead to scorched leaf edges and stunted growth.

Pruning Tips

This variety blooms on old wood, so any major pruning should be done immediately after the "smoke" plumes fade in late summer. Avoid pruning in late winter or early spring because you will cut off the flower buds and lose the smoke effect for that season. Think of pruning as a light haircut to remove stray branches since this plant naturally maintains a tidy, dense shape.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as the new growth begins to wake up. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers because they prioritize fast green growth which can wash out the intense gold and orange leaf colors. One application at the start of the season is usually plenty to keep the plant vigorous and healthy.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

A Luminous Beacon for Your Garden

If you’ve been looking for a way to literally "light up" a corner of your landscape, the Winecraft Gold® Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria 'MINCOJAU3') is your golden ticket. This stunning deciduous shrub, often referred to as the European Smoketree, acts as a living spotlight from the moment it wakes up in the spring. Unlike older, rangier varieties of Smokebush, Winecraft Gold® offers a much denser, semi-dwarf habit that stays neat and tidy without sacrificing that ethereal, wispy look we all love.

A Three-Season Color Transformation

The real magic of this Cotinus lies in its shifting wardrobe. In early spring, the round, waxy leaves emerge with a brilliant, sun-kissed orange glow. As the days lengthen into early summer, that orange transitions into a vibrant, high-definition gold. By late summer, the foliage settles into a cool, refreshing chartreuse that provides the perfect backdrop for other flowering perennials. The texture is soft and inviting, creating a sense of movement as the leaves catch the breeze.

The Signature "Smoke" Effect

Of course, it wouldn't be a Smokebush without the plumes! In early to mid-summer, Winecraft Gold® produces large, cloud-like clusters of green flowers. As these seeds mature, they transform into the iconic pink, fuzzy "smoke" plumes that appear to hover over the golden foliage like a mist. It is a striking color contrast—vivid pink against golden yellow—that demands a second look from every neighbor passing by.

Landscape Versatility

Reaching a perfectly manageable size, this shrub is a "thriller" in every sense of the word. Use it as a glowing specimen plant in a mixed border, or plant several in a row to create a low-maintenance, deer-resistant hedge that glows in the afternoon sun. Because it maintains a dense, oval shape naturally, it’s also an excellent choice for large patio containers where you need height and architectural interest.

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Growing Zones 5-8

Find Your Growing Zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the planting zone requirements for Winecraft Gold® Smokebush in cold climates?

Winecraft Gold® Smokebush thrives in USDA zones 4-8, handling cold temperatures down to -30°F. This hardy shrub performs best with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. Plant in spring after the last frost for optimal establishment before winter.

Does Winecraft Gold® Smokebush require full sun or can it handle part shade?

Winecraft Gold® Smokebush performs best in full sun to develop its brilliant golden foliage color. While it can tolerate some light shade, the intense orange-to-gold color transformation will be less vibrant in shadier spots. For maximum color impact, plant it where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Is Winecraft Gold® Smokebush deer resistant?

Yes, Winecraft Gold® Smokebush is deer resistant, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance hedging or specimen planting. The dense, naturally oval growth habit stays neat without frequent pruning. Plant in full sun for the best golden foliage color and "smoke" plume development.

How do I care for Winecraft Gold® Smokebush after planting, including watering needs?

Winecraft Gold® Smokebush is drought-tolerant once established and prefers well-draining soil. Water regularly the first year, then reduce to occasional deep watering during dry spells. This low-maintenance shrub thrives with minimal care once its roots are established.

Should I prune my Winecraft Gold® Smokebush, and when is the best time?

Winecraft Gold® Smokebush requires minimal pruning due to its naturally dense, oval shape. Prune in late winter before spring growth begins if you need to control size or remove dead wood. Light pruning preserves the signature smoke plumes that form on current-year growth. Shop Nature Hills for this low-maintenance shrub.

Will Winecraft Gold® Smokebush keep its golden foliage color all season without burning?

Winecraft Gold® Smokebush naturally transitions through three distinct color phases without burning: spring orange to summer gold to late-season chartreuse. This seasonal color shift is part of the plant's natural beauty, not a fading issue. Plant in full sun to partial shade for the most vibrant color display.

Is Winecraft Gold® Smokebush hardy in zone 5 winters, or less cold tolerant than other varieties?

Winecraft Gold® Smokebush is fully hardy in zone 5 and shares the same cold tolerance as standard Cotinus varieties. This cultivar maintains the species' proven winter resilience while offering improved density and compact growth. Plant in fall for best root establishment before winter.