What is Cotinus?

Cotinus is a very small family of garden shrubs consisting of only two species, commonly called a smoke shrub or smoker. These shrubs are close to Sumac relatives and are members of the Anacardiaceae family. They come from the southeastern part of the United States and also from parts of Eurasia. This deciduous shrub acquires its common names from its flowers, which are very unusual, with clusters of small fluffy flowers that resemble clouds of smoke.

These shrubs or small trees are popular landscape accents that add interest in yards and garden areas with their strange flowers and bronze, bluish or purple leaves. In autumn, leaf changes various bright colors, which is even more attractive for gardeners. They usually grow to more than 15 feet tall (about 4.6 m), which makes them manageable size even for small yards. The flowers bloom for a while, up to two months from late spring to the middle sunshis.

American Smoketeree, like all varieties of these garden shrubs grows best in theNative land. However, these shrubs will live in many different cultivation conditions, including wrapped clay soil, where many plants grow well. Cotinus can also live in a very hot climate and tolerate dry and dry soil. They should not be grown in very wet soil because they tend to develop root rot. Although they prefer full sun, they will tolerate some afternoon shadow, even if their leaves are not so colorful.

To keep the cotinus plants looking as best, they should be cut back to the ground or early winter in warmer areas. This heavy pruning will increase the number of flower clusters because this shrub blooms for new growth. Pruning also supports brighter sheets of the following spring.

Cotinus shrubs are either male or women, and one of them is needed for their production of seeds. Seeds are slowly behave and should be planted on the ground in the fall to nAnd the spring produced seedlings. The seeds are well stored and remain viable for several years if they are stored in a dry, airtight container. Cuts may be difficult to take root, even if they can be useful, even if soaked in hormonal powder. Small cuttings should be made in summer or autumn and maintained inwards until they can be able to plant the following spring.

Cotinus is susceptible to some diseases of plants, including verticillium wilting, mold and leaf spots. The harmful insects continue from them, although bees and butterflies are frequent visitors. They are a good choice for gardens in areas of heavily populated deer, which usually do not bother with these plants.