Royal Purple Smoke Bush

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'

$89⁹⁹

Out of stock
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Delivery and Shipping

Shipping

To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.

Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.

*If you have found your zone already, it will be highlighted in the table below.

Standard Shipping Rates

At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.

From	To	S&H
$0	$19.99	$24.99
$20	$49.99	$29.99
$50	$69.99	$34.99
$70	$99.99	$39.99
$100	$129.99	$44.99
$130	$149.99	$48.99
$150	$150+	Approx 28%

Click here to see our full rates

Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Plant Highlights

Royal Purple Smoke Bush highlights at a glance!

Specifications

Brand

Plants That Work
Botanical Name

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'
Growing Zones

4-8
Mature Height

12 - 15 feet
Mature Spread

10 - 12 feet
Sun Exposure

Full Sun
Moisture

Moderate
Soil

Well Drained
Growth Rate

Medium
Flower Color

Decidous
Fall Color

Red, Orange
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Pollinator Required

No
Fragrant

Yes
Pruning Time

Early Spring
Bloom Period

Summer

Growing Zones 4-8

Find Your Growing Zone!

Bring a bold, dramatic touch to your landscape with Royal Purple Smoke Bush (Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'), one of the most eye-catching flowering bushes for year-round interest! Sometimes spelled as one word, this ornamental shrub is famous for its rich, wine-purple foliage that glows in full sun and airy, smoky pink-purple flowers that hover like misty plumes from mid-summer through fall.

A long-revered garden favorite, and even George Washington admired its beauty! Today, Royal Purple is especially beloved in sunny, temperate gardens for its easy-going nature and rich coloration. This deciduous shrub offers multi-season interest, low-maintenance care, and loads of curb appeal.

The Smokebush is a true showstopper in every season! In spring, rounded leaves emerge in a deep burgundy hue that intensifies in full sun. Mid-summer brings frothy clusters of tiny flowers on airy, 6-8 inch long panicles. These blossoms develop fine hairs that create a signature 'smoke-like' effect, giving the shrub its common name. In fall, the foliage takes on fiery red-orange tones, further enhancing its ornamental value.

Key Features

Native to Southern Europe and Central Asia, the Smokebush has been cultivated for centuries for its beauty and versatility. It's part of the Anacardiaceae family, making it a cousin to Sumac and Cashew trees.

Deep wine-purple foliage glows in full sun
Airy pink-purple flowers resemble plumes of smoke
Upright, rounded habit grows up to 15 feet tall
Spectacular fall color in reds and oranges
Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
Great pollinator-friendly blooms

Landscaping Uses

Royal Purple Smokebush is a sculptural beauty that makes an unforgettable impression in the landscape. Its size, texture, and color offer unmatched visual contrast! Expect this upright, multi-stemmed shrub to grow 12-15 feet tall and 10-12 feet wide, making it a perfect statement plant, privacy screen, or hedging option in Zones 4 to 8.

Specimen plant in front yard or entryway
Eye-catching hedge or privacy screen
Backdrop for brighter-colored perennials
Anchor plant for Foundation plantings
Screen for utility areas or unsightly views
Bold focal point in mixed shrub borders
Limb up into a small patio tree for drama

Care & Maintenance

This is a deciduous shrub that thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. The Royal Purple Smoke Bush is beloved by gardeners for being drought-tolerant and very low-maintenance!

Planting Time: Spring or fall when soil is workable
Sun Requirements: Full sun is best (6+ hours); part shade reduces color intensity
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils preferred; tolerates poor, rocky, or sandy soils
Moisture Needs: Moderate to low once established (use the Finger Test to check soil moisture)
Arborist Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch around the base (keep mulch away from the stems)
Fertilization Needs: Not typically needed; compost in spring can support growth
Pruning Info: Prune in early spring; blooms on new wood, so pruning before it breaks dormancy won't interfere with flowering.
Renewal Pruning: Every 3-5 years, cut older stems back to 12" tall to rejuvenate
Special Perks/Growing Needs:

Deer resistant
Drought-tolerant
Tolerates urban conditions and clay soils

Make a Smoky Statement!

Royal Purple Smoke Bush is one of the most distinctively beautiful shrubs you can grow. Between its smoky plumes, dramatic purple leaves, and fiery fall display, it's a conversation starter and a garden mainstay. Whether you're creating privacy, building out a border, or just craving bold, color-drenched foliage, this shrub delivers year after year.

Order your Royal Purple Smokebush and start enjoying the drama, color, and curb appeal today from NatureHills.com!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Royal Purple Smoke Bush look like in fall?

In fall, the deep purple foliage turns brilliant shades of orange, red, and scarlet, adding to its seasonal drama.

How big does a Royal Purple Smokebush get?

It typically grows 12-15 feet tall and 10-12 feet wide with a naturally rounded, upright form.

Does Royal Purple Smoke Bush need full sun?

Yes, full sun is best for the deepest purple foliage and strongest flower production.

Can you prune Royal Purple Smoke Bush into a tree form?

Yes, you can limb up the lower branches to create a multi-trunked tree-like form.

Is Royal Purple Smoke Bush deer resistant?

Yes, it's considered deer resistant and is rarely browsed thanks to its aromatic foliage.

different colors

I have two in large containers. One gets more shade & is no where near is purple as the other. I still like them but when they say the leaves are greener in shade, they really are.

Dear Weekend W.,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Royal Purple Smokebush plants! We’re delighted to hear you’re enjoying them, and your keen observation about the color differences between the more shaded and sunnier plant is absolutely spot-on. As you've noticed, smokebush leaves do tend to display greener hues in shadier spots, while the rich purple tones really deepen with more sunlight exposure.

For container gardening like yours, if you want to enhance the purple color even further, we recommend positioning the plants in a location where they can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Additionally, make sure the soil is well-draining and that you’re consistent with watering—it helps keep the foliage vibrant and healthy. If you have any concerns about maintaining them or would like tips on fertilizing options to boost color, please don’t hesitate to ask!

Thanks again for your thoughtful review, and happy gardening with your lovely smokebushes.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Looks great around my patio

I just love the color. I was impressed with the quality of what I received. I have a friend who has the same royal purple smokebush & they have trained there's into more of a tree or topiary. Mine is more a big bush. Gets hot here in the summer (South Carolina), planted it in spring & survived a very hot summer here.

Hello Purple Lover,

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely experience with your Royal Purple Smokebush! We’re delighted to hear how vibrant the color is around your patio and that the plant held up well through South Carolina’s challenging summer heat. It’s great you’ve noticed the quality we strive for—it means a lot to us.

Training your smokebush into a tree or topiary can be a wonderful way to shape its growth, so your friend’s approach sounds inspiring! Since your plant is growing more like a large bush, you might consider selective pruning in early spring or late winter to encourage an open structure or to start molding it toward a tree-like form, if you want to experiment. Our plant care guides online have some fantastic pruning tips specifically for smokebush varieties, so feel free to check them out.

One last tip to help with hot climates like yours: keep the soil evenly moist and apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect roots from heat stress.

We’re here whenever you need more tips or guidance in your gardening journey—thanks again for your wonderful feedback!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

different colors

I have two in large containers. One gets more shade & is no where near is purple as the other. I still like them but when they say the leaves are greener in shade, they really are.

Hello weekend warrior,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Royal Purple Smokebushes! You’re absolutely right—these lovely plants do tend to show greener leaves when grown in more shade, while fuller sun encourages that stunning purple color they’re known for. It’s great to hear you’re still enjoying them in their unique settings!

If you're curious about deepening that purple hue, consider placing the sunnier Smokebush where it can soak up at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Also, ensuring the soil drains well and gently avoiding over-fertilizing with high nitrogen will keep those heat and moisture conditions ideal too. Your displays sound wonderful already—plants often surprise us with their adaptability!

If you’d like, feel free to explore our planting care guides online or reach out anytime for personalized tips. We love hearing about your weekend gardening adventures!

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

Looks great around my patio

Hi Purple L.,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Royal Purple Smokebush! We’re delighted to hear that the vibrant color and quality of your plant have impressed you. South Carolina summers can be quite demanding, so it’s fantastic that your smokebush not only survived but is thriving after such hot weather.

Training your plant into a tree or topiary form, like your friend’s, sounds like a fun project should you ever want to try a different style! The Royal Purple Smokebush is quite versatile and responds well to selective pruning, which encourages a variety of shapes and growth habits. If you want to experiment, heading into early spring before new growth starts is usually the best time for shaping. We’d be happy to send along some pruning tips or technique guides if you’re interested!

Thank you again for your thoughtful review—your feedback not only helps us but also guides others considering this stunning shrub. Wishing you continued enjoyment around your patio oasis!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Drought tolerant

This plant is tough. My neighbor forgot to water while I was gone on vacation and everything in my garden was suffering when I returned home, except the smokebush. I would recommend this plant in an area that gets short on water.

Dear Old P.,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Royal Purple Smokebush! We’re delighted to hear what a resilient and drought-tolerant plant it is, especially after your vacation. It’s always reassuring to know that some garden favorites can thrive even when watering schedules get mixed up. Your recommendation will surely help other gardeners looking for hardy plants that can endure dry spells.

For continued success with your smokebush, remember it prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight, which both contribute to its impressive drought tolerance. If you ever want to explore companion plants with similar tough characteristics or tips on how to make your garden even more water-wise, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.

Thanks again for your thoughtful review; we truly appreciate it!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

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Royal Purple Smoke Bush

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