In July, we are throwing the spotlight on Cotinus. A fabulous plant for colour through many seasons. A hugely popular plant that deserves its place in many a garden design.
Cotinus is commonly known as the Smoke Bush due to the frothy plumes of flowers borne in profusion in July through to August. The flowers themselves are tiny and very dainty and are produced in such large numbers in clusters that they resemble plumes of smoke appearing over the decorative foliage. In the autumn the foliage puts on a dazzling display of colour before falling. The emerging spring foliage tends to be very vibrant too.
Cotinus from bushy shrubs that fill a space with aplomb and colour. Adding colour to a mixed border and can be used in mixed plantings to great effect acting as an excellent background plant for other late summer flowering plants.
Plant in sun to partial shade for best foliage colour and also there is nothing quite like the sun shining through a Cotinus leaf in late summer and autumn. Purple leaved varieties will produce the strongest foliage colour if planted in full sun. Cotinus are pretty easy to look after with a fertile soil needed and a good mulch every year or so.
There are many options to now choose from including bright yellow leaved varieties, dwarf growing varieties and some dusky purple foliage options.
• Lillia – a superb new dwarf variety with oval deep purple leaves. 1.2m
• Dusky Maiden - another compact form with smaller purple leaves
• Red Spirit – dark green foliage tinged blue with purple tones in the autumn
• Flamisssimo – a compact form with purple foliage and excellent red- orange autumn foliage
• Young Lady – vibrant acid green circular foliage that turns red – yellow in the autumn
• Grace - a well known variety that can reach up to 6m in time. Large oval purple leaves
• Royal Purple – probably the most well known variety with a wine-red autumn foliage
Take a look at the different options and sizes now in stock
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Lillia Young Lady Flamissimo
