smokebush

A shapely rounded, small tree or large shrub with attractive foliage colors of burgundy-red, purple and bright yellow for three seasons of garden interest. In summer, feathery plumes of soft pink flowers look like puffs of smoke. A beautiful specimen shrub that can be trained into a tree form or used as a colorful backdrop for perennials. Dwarf varieties are also being developed. View our selection of smokebush varieties online.

Plant in well-drained to moist, amended soil. Water well after planting; maintain 1” of water once a week the first year. Little pruning needed; shapes itself nicely. Remove dead branches or trunk suckers any time. To keep compact prune heavy in late winter/early spring. Feed early spring and mid-summer with a slow release fertilizer. Follow label instructions. Mulch 2″ to suppress weeds, retain moisture and protect against extremes of soil temperature.