Description Family Anacardiaceae Originating from S. Europe to C. Asia A compact deciduous shrub with vibrant rounded green leaves Stunning fluffy pink flower plumes bloom from summer to autumn Fully hardy in most of the UK, undemanding and easy to grow Ignite your garden with the Young Lady smoke bush, a compact shrub that delivers big drama in a small package. Its rounded green leaves burst into fiery orange-red in autumn, while fluffy pink flower plumes create a smoky haze from summer. Its compact habit is useful, however it maintains a steady growth rate, reaching 1.5m x 1.5m in 5–10 years. Also, it’s fully hardy in most of the UK and thrives in well-drained soil in full sun to part shade, making it a star at Urban Jungle. Care Tips for a Young Lady Smoke Bush: Soil & Sun: Grows in well-drained soil, even heavy clay once established—full sun to part shade Planting: Plant in mixed borders or as a standalone shrub in smaller gardens Watering: Tolerates drought once established, minimal care Pruning: Prune in late winter to control size—no gloves needed The unique fluffy flowers of the Young Lady Smoke Bush complement the soft blooms of Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’, Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’, and Buddleja davidii ‘Black Knight’. For a riot of vibrant autumnal fireworks, plant it with Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’, Acer palmatum ‘Skeeter’s Broom’, or Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Lane Roberts’. See our Encyclopedia page, or dive deeper at https://treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/cotinus/cotinus-coggygria/.
