Winecraft Black® Smokebush

Cotinus coggygria 'NCCO1'

Proven Winners®

First Proven Winners ColorChoice Smokebush with Deep Plum-to-Black Foliage and Dramatic Fall Color
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 4-6 ft Tall and Wide
Deer Resistant, Disease Resistant, Drought Tolerant
Showy Red, Pink Blooms From Early Summer to Late Summer

$28⁴⁵

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Plant Size

Quart Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this shrub at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain its deep, dramatic color. If planted in too much shade, the rich purple foliage will fade to a muddy green and the plant may become leggy.
Soil: Plant in well-draining soil, as this shrub tolerates many conditions but struggles in soggy, waterlogged ground. If you have heavy clay soil, mix in compost to improve drainage or plant in a raised berm to keep the roots healthy.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to help the root system establish, checking the soil moisture weekly. Once established, Winecraft Black® is quite drought-tolerant, but occasional deep watering during hot, dry spells will keep the foliage lush and prevent leaf scorch.

Pruning Tips

This plant blooms on new wood, so the best time to prune is in early spring before new growth begins. You can lightly shape it or cut it back harder to encourage vigorous new stems and larger leaves, though heavy pruning may reduce the volume of "smoke" flowers for that season.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a granular, balanced fertilizer in early spring just as you see new leaves emerging to support the season's growth. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this encourages tender growth that won't have time to harden off before winter.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Fall Color/Interest, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Hedge/Screen, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	4-6 ft
Width	4-6 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Spreading, Upright
Blooms In	Summer
Flower Color	Red, Pink
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors, Container, Indoors
Botanical Name	Cotinus coggygria 'NCCO1'
Species	coggygria
Cultivar	NCCO1
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

The Winecraft Black® Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria 'NCCo1') is the first-ever Smokebush that has survived the rigorous trials it takes to become a Proven Winners® ColorChoice® selection, so you know that it has to be the cream of the crop! That's just one of the many reasons to love this new introduction to the gardening world. Here are a few more:

The spring leaves emerge rich plum purple and turn to deep almost-back as the summer heats up. In early summer big fluffy panicles of the tiniest blooms appear that turn into the misty "smoke" that gives the plant its unusual name (and unusual look!). In the fall the leaves light up in an unexpected display of oranges and reds.

Unlike other Smoke Bush varieties, Winecraft Black® stays small and naturally rounded. It doesn't get huge and out-of-bounds. It is perfect for any size garden, space-saving, from big country gardens to small urban gardens and everything in between.

Planting and Application:

Perfectly sized for small properties and urban courtyards, Winecraft Black® is equally ideal for containers along your sunny patio or porch. Plant evenly spaced multiple plants in large planters to create easy screening around pools, seating areas, and barbecue pits for fiery color all growing season!

Massed together, Winecraft Black® makes a show-stopping low hedge or mass planting, especially when in full-on 'smoke' mode! Low-growing enough to be incredible foundation plantings or backdrops to other landscape beds, these fantastic accents show off as street trees, front berm specimens, and showy garden bed focal points both in their shrub form or as small trees!

Kaleidoscope Foliage - Purple to Black
Dramatic Airy Plumes Of Purple Blooms
Glowing Fall Colors!
Naturally Dwarf - Fits Any Garden
Unique Hedge or Foundation Planting, Specimens & Container Focal Points

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Smokebush requires full sun to have this glorious color! Tough and tolerant shrubs that tolerate drought and dry soil once it is established. Provide regular moisture for young plants until they get established. These can be late to leaf out in spring, but once they do, they will become a knock-out specimen shrub!

Apply a 3-inch layer of wood chip mulch around the plant to keep the root system cool and moist. These deciduous shrubs prefer good air circulation is another important consideration. Please don't plant too close to buildings, fences, or walls. Allow this shrub to reach its full glory and prune these shrubs in the early spring only. You don't have to prune it for it to keep its naturally dwarf appearance, but if you do give yours a trim, do so only in the late winter or very early spring.

Full Sun For The Most Color
Well-Drained Soil
Moderate Moisture Needs
Drought Tolerant Once Established
Prune In Early Spring
Deer Resistant & Hardy USDA 4 to 8

Even if you've never thought of using Smokebush before, the Winecraft Black® Smokebush is here to change your mind! Add this dark beauty to your landscape today with the help of Proven Winners® ColorChoice® and Nature Hills Nursery!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How large does Winecraft Black Smokebush grow at maturity?

Winecraft Black Smokebush stays naturally compact and rounded, unlike other varieties that can get huge and out-of-bounds. This dwarf selection is perfectly sized for small properties, urban courtyards, and containers. Its manageable size makes it ideal for foundation plantings, low hedges, or focal points in any garden space.

What are the planting zone requirements for Winecraft Black Smokebush?

Winecraft Black Smokebush thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. This tough, drought-tolerant shrub needs full sun for optimal purple-black foliage color and performs well in various soil conditions once established. Shop at Nature Hills for best results in your zone.

Does Winecraft Black Smokebush grow in zone 4 or colder climates?

Winecraft Black Smokebush is hardy in zones 4-8, making it suitable for most cold climates. As a Proven Winners ColorChoice selection, it has survived rigorous testing for cold tolerance. Plant in full sun and provide winter protection in zone 4 for best results.

What is the mature height and width of Winecraft Black Smokebush?

Winecraft Black Smokebush reaches 4-6 feet tall and wide at maturity, making it significantly smaller than traditional smokebush varieties. This compact, naturally rounded form stays manageable without aggressive pruning. Plant with adequate spacing to accommodate its full mature spread for best results.

How much sun does Winecraft Black Smokebush require?

Winecraft Black Smokebush requires full sun to develop its stunning deep purple-black foliage color. Without adequate sunlight, the leaves won't achieve their signature dramatic hue. Plant in the sunniest spot in your garden for best results, available at naturehills.com.

How often should I water Winecraft Black Smokebush?

Water regularly the first growing season to establish roots, then this drought-tolerant shrub needs minimal watering. Once established, Winecraft Black Smokebush thrives in dry conditions and actually performs better with less frequent watering in full sun locations.

When and how should I prune Winecraft Black Smokebush?

Prune Winecraft Black Smokebush in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Since this variety stays naturally compact and rounded, it needs minimal pruning compared to larger smokebush varieties. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and lightly shape if desired.

Is Winecraft Black Smokebush deer and rabbit resistant?

Winecraft Black Smokebush is generally deer resistant due to its tough, drought-tolerant nature and aromatic foliage that deer typically avoid. Rabbits may occasionally browse young plants but rarely cause significant damage. Plant in full sun for best color development and strongest natural defenses.

How is Winecraft Black Smokebush shipped, bare root or potted?

Winecraft Black Smokebush ships as a potted plant, not bare root. This allows you to plant it throughout the growing season rather than being limited to dormant season planting. Plant your potted smokebush in full sun for the best purple-black foliage color.