Plants that Work®

Royal Purple Smokebush

Name: Royal Purple Smokebush
Brand: Plants That Work
SKU: 16063
Price: 95.57 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.83 (12 reviews)

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'

Deep Burgundy Foliage Glows Year-Round with Billowy Purple Smoke Plumes All Summer Long
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 12-15 ft Tall, 10-12 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Disease Resistant, Drought Tolerant
Showy Purple, Pink Blooms From Early Summer to Late Summer

$95⁵⁷

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

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, Fall Color/Interest, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Hedge/Screen
Hardiness Zone	4a to 8b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	12-15 ft
Width	10-12 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Spreading, Upright
Blooms In	Summer
Flower Color	Purple, Pink
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors, Container
Botanical Name	Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'
Species	coggygria
Cultivar	Royal Purple
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Featuring many incredible ornamental features, get garden visitors talking with one of the most striking landscape shrubs available! These special shrubs have a long history of being appreciated. Even George Washington noted their outstanding features!

If you love rich, deep colors, you'll love Royal Purple Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'). The pretty, rounded leaves glow burgundy red in the full sunlight. They'll stay beautiful and rich throughout the growing season. Snip a few of the flowering branches to use in indoor cut flower arrangements. You'll love the chance to study the flowers up close.

Airy, pinky-purple panicles start blooming in mid-summer and lasting until frost. Each panicle consists of extremely tiny blossoms growing along an 8-inch cluster of delicate, wire-like stems. The pollinators adore these little blossoms! As the blooms age, downy hairs also develop and billow out to increase the showy visual impact.

The clouds of flowers float high above the leaves in a misty plume. From a distance, you'll enjoy the dramatic visual effect of a "cloud of smoke". The display remains attractive through fall. Growing throughout USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8, these mid-sized shrubs mature to 12-15 foot tall, 10-12 foot wide specimens!

Planting and Application:

Also known as Smoke Trees, Royal Purple Smokebush naturally forms an upright, low-branched, spreading shrub! Try a few in your shrub border to give a strong dash of color all season from spring through frost! Hedges become colorful backdrops and privacy, creating garden rooms and screening with ease.

With incredible deep purple foliage all season long and smoky clouds of bloom, you'll be tempted to give this shrub a starring role in your garden design. Use one as a specimen plant to create a memorable impact in the front yard as a specimen. Create a focal point, limbed up into a multi-branched tree form if you feel up to sparking conversation and curb appeal. You'll need to get ready to answer questions from curious passersby! Go ahead, take credit for your good taste and discernment!

Smokebush is a purple-leaved shrub that looks fantastic all growing season long. They'll be a focal point in summer with their unique blooms, and add warmth to other fall colors as the season comes to a close. Plant one at the corner of your house to anchor your foundation planting. Try this in your backyard, too. These dynamic, dark-colored shrubs will become an important design element.

Have a "utility" area in your landscape that you'd like to hide? Why not plant several Smokebushes 7 feet apart on center? They'll grow together and create an outstanding garden feature in your landscape while screening the ugly view. Measure from the center of one to the center of the next.

Use this same idea to create a "vista" or view from your deck or patio. Plant several Smokebushes in a sunny planting bed near your property line. Site it carefully, so you can gain strategic privacy along with an incredible summertime show! Leave the lowest limbs on the shrub for a lush screen all the way to the ground.

Rich, Bold Color All Season Long!
Airy Pinky-Purple Flower Panicles Float High Above the Leaves
Vibrant Purple Foliage Glows in the Sun
Distinctive Sculptural Habit
Gorgeous Specimens, Hedges, Backdrops & Season Long Color

#ProPlantTips for Care:

While the Royal Purple Smokebush can technically survive a location in partial shade, there will be an impact on the foliage. The leaves are greener in shade, and a rich maroon red in full sun. Make the most of the stunning foliage. Select a planting location where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.

These deciduous shrubs prefer well-drained soil that doesn't retain water for long. 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! Plan for the full mature height and width for the best effect.

It's versatile enough to be limbed up to use as a multi-stemmed patio tree. Prune lower branches back to the main trunks in early spring to shape this special feature. These large, open shrubs can also be renewal pruned every 3-5 years to develop vigorous new shoots and a tighter growth habit. Cut older stems back to a foot tall in spring. You'll sacrifice the year's blooms but will appreciate the improved form.

Apply a 3-inch layer of wood chip mulch around the plant to keep the root system cool and moist. Pull the mulch back from around the woody stems by at least 6 inches for proper air circulation.

Full Sun & Partial Shade
Well-Drained Enriched Soil
Moderate to Low Moisture Once Established
Prune In Spring
Easy Care & Drought Tolerant Once Established

Easy to grow, this deciduous shrub is a must-have for a memorable accent plant in your yard. Add Royal Purple Smokebush to your landscape this season! Enjoy the high-contrast good looks of the Royal Purple Smokebush from Nature Hills Nursery. You'll love this fine choice for many years to come!

Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.

Just perfect!

This was a gift for my son and daughter-in-law. It arrived perfectly, packed well, a good size plant. It has settled in nicely and we expect it to be beautiful next year when it blooms. This is one of our favorite shrubs.

Royal Purple Smokebush is such a good choice as a gift. It sounds like it arrived in great shape and is already settling in, which is a strong sign for what is ahead. Once it gets a full season established, that deep purple foliage and smoky bloom display is really something to look forward to. Thanks for sharing, Denene. The Nature Hills Team

Well wrapped and very healthy

Well wrapped and very healthy.

Royal Purple Smokebush is such a satisfying shrub to grow, and it sounds like yours arrived in great shape. Thanks for letting us know, Gail. Give it a season to settle in and you will be rewarded with that deep, smoky color all summer long.

Looks great around my patio

I just love the color. I was impressed with the quality of what I received. I have a friend who has the same royal purple smokebush & they have trained there's into more of a tree or topiary. Mine is more a big bush. Gets hot here in the summer (South Carolina), planted it in spring & survived a very hot summer here.

Hi Purple L.,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Royal Purple Smokebush! We’re delighted to hear that the vibrant color and quality of your plant have impressed you. South Carolina summers can be quite demanding, so it’s fantastic that your smokebush not only survived but is thriving after such hot weather.

Training your plant into a tree or topiary form, like your friend’s, sounds like a fun project should you ever want to try a different style! The Royal Purple Smokebush is quite versatile and responds well to selective pruning, which encourages a variety of shapes and growth habits. If you want to experiment, heading into early spring before new growth starts is usually the best time for shaping. We’d be happy to send along some pruning tips or technique guides if you’re interested!

Thank you again for your thoughtful review—your feedback not only helps us but also guides others considering this stunning shrub. Wishing you continued enjoyment around your patio oasis!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

different colors

I have two in large containers. One gets more shade & is no where near is purple as the other. I still like them but when they say the leaves are greener in shade, they really are.

Hello weekend warrior,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Royal Purple Smokebushes! You’re absolutely right—these lovely plants do tend to show greener leaves when grown in more shade, while fuller sun encourages that stunning purple color they’re known for. It’s great to hear you’re still enjoying them in their unique settings!

If you're curious about deepening that purple hue, consider placing the sunnier Smokebush where it can soak up at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Also, ensuring the soil drains well and gently avoiding over-fertilizing with high nitrogen will keep those heat and moisture conditions ideal too. Your displays sound wonderful already—plants often surprise us with their adaptability!

If you’d like, feel free to explore our planting care guides online or reach out anytime for personalized tips. We love hearing about your weekend gardening adventures!

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

Looks great around my patio

Hello Purple Lover,

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely experience with your Royal Purple Smokebush! We’re delighted to hear how vibrant the color is around your patio and that the plant held up well through South Carolina’s challenging summer heat. It’s great you’ve noticed the quality we strive for—it means a lot to us.

Training your smokebush into a tree or topiary can be a wonderful way to shape its growth, so your friend’s approach sounds inspiring! Since your plant is growing more like a large bush, you might consider selective pruning in early spring or late winter to encourage an open structure or to start molding it toward a tree-like form, if you want to experiment. Our plant care guides online have some fantastic pruning tips specifically for smokebush varieties, so feel free to check them out.

One last tip to help with hot climates like yours: keep the soil evenly moist and apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect roots from heat stress.

We’re here whenever you need more tips or guidance in your gardening journey—thanks again for your wonderful feedback!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

different colors

I have two in large containers. One gets more shade & is no where near is purple as the other. I still like them but when they say the leaves are greener in shade, they really are.

Dear Weekend W.,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Royal Purple Smokebush plants! We’re delighted to hear you’re enjoying them, and your keen observation about the color differences between the more shaded and sunnier plant is absolutely spot-on. As you've noticed, smokebush leaves do tend to display greener hues in shadier spots, while the rich purple tones really deepen with more sunlight exposure.

For container gardening like yours, if you want to enhance the purple color even further, we recommend positioning the plants in a location where they can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Additionally, make sure the soil is well-draining and that you’re consistent with watering—it helps keep the foliage vibrant and healthy. If you have any concerns about maintaining them or would like tips on fertilizing options to boost color, please don’t hesitate to ask!

Thanks again for your thoughtful review, and happy gardening with your lovely smokebushes.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

leaf color

I love plants with a unique leaf color besides just green. My smokebush, having purple leaves, fits my wants perfectly. Easy to care for!

Hi Chuck,

Thank you so much for sharing your enthusiasm for the Royal Purple Smokebush! We’re thrilled to hear that its stunning purple leaves add the unique splash of color you were looking for—and that it's proving to be an easy-care addition to your garden. Plants with bold foliage not only brighten up spaces but also create year-round interest, so it sounds like this one is a perfect fit for you!

If you ever want to enhance its display, remember that smokebush loves full sun to maintain the best purple coloration and prefers well-draining soil. Regular light pruning after flowering can help keep the plant healthy and encourage vibrant new growth to show off that beautiful leaf color. For more tips, feel free to check out our Care Guide on the NatureHills website.

Thanks again for your wonderful feedback, Chuck. We hope your phone keeps being full of gorgeous garden photos!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

leaf color

I love plants with a unique leaf color besides just green. My smokebush, having purple leaves, fits my wants perfectly. Easy to care for!

Hi Chuck,

Thank you so much for sharing your delight with your Royal Purple Smokebush! We’re thrilled to hear that its stunning purple leaves add that unique splash of color you were looking for. They truly are a showstopper in any garden! It’s great that you’ve found it easy to care for too—these plants really do balance beauty with hardiness splendidly.

If you ever want tips on how to keep that vibrant color even more striking or advice on companion plants that highlight its foliage, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help you cultivate your garden oasis.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Drought tolerant

This plant is tough. My neighbor forgot to water while I was gone on vacation and everything in my garden was suffering when I returned home, except the smokebush. I would recommend this plant in an area that gets short on water.

Dear Old Pete,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Royal Purple Smokebush! We’re delighted to hear how hardy this plant proved to be during your vacation, especially amid a dry spell that affected the rest of your garden. It truly is a testament to why the smokebush is such a great choice for drought-tolerant landscaping.

For others considering this resilient plant, ensuring it has well-draining soil can further help it thrive even in scarce watering conditions. Mulching around the base can also help retain occasional moisture and keep roots cool during hotter months.

We appreciate your recommendation and hope your garden continues to flourish with the smokebush’s vibrant beauty year after year!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Drought tolerant

Dear Old P.,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Royal Purple Smokebush! We’re delighted to hear what a resilient and drought-tolerant plant it is, especially after your vacation. It’s always reassuring to know that some garden favorites can thrive even when watering schedules get mixed up. Your recommendation will surely help other gardeners looking for hardy plants that can endure dry spells.

For continued success with your smokebush, remember it prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight, which both contribute to its impressive drought tolerance. If you ever want to explore companion plants with similar tough characteristics or tips on how to make your garden even more water-wise, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.

Thanks again for your thoughtful review; we truly appreciate it!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Thriving

This beautiful tree has thrived since day one. It's doing fine in a container on a hot and windy Manhattan roof top. Requires zero maintenance. One of the first things to leaf out in the spring and last to lose its leaves in the winter.One caution: don't prune except when dormant in winter, or you'll cause a burst of fresh growth right where you don't want.

Hello Penelope,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Royal Purple Smokebush! We’re delighted to hear that it’s thriving on your Manhattan rooftop, especially given the challenging conditions of heat and wind. Your insight about pruning only during dormancy is really valuable—not only does it help preserve the plant’s natural growth habits, but it also speaks to your attentive care, even if minimal maintenance is required!

If you ever need tips on protecting your container plants during harsher weather or suggestions to complement your Smokebush in a rooftop garden, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to offer guidance that helps your green space flourish.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Thriving

Dear Penelope,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Royal Purple Smokebush! We’re delighted to hear that it’s thriving so well on your Manhattan rooftop despite the challenging heat and wind. Your note about it being one of the earliest to leaf out and last to drop leaves in winter is a great reminder of this plant’s resilience and charm.

We also appreciate your helpful pruning tip—pruning only during dormancy to avoid unwanted fresh shoots is excellent advice that will surely benefit other Smokebush enthusiasts. Containers on rooftops can be a tough spot, but it sounds like you’ve found the perfect setup for yours. If you ever want to explore supplemental shading strategies in extreme summer heat or soil moisture tips for container-grown plants, we’re always here to help.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your feedback and guidance with the Nature Hills community. Wishing your vibrant Smokebush many more seasons of success!

To greener days ahead,
Nature Hills Customer Care & Plant Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones can Royal Purple Smokebush survive in?

Royal Purple Smokebush thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8. This wide range means it can handle winter temperatures from -30°F to 20°F. Plant in full sun for the best burgundy foliage color throughout the growing season.

Does Royal Purple Smokebush need full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

Royal Purple Smokebush thrives in full sun where its burgundy foliage glows richest throughout the growing season. It can tolerate partial shade but the deep purple color intensity may diminish. For best foliage color and smoky blooms, plant in a sunny spot with 6+ hours of direct light daily.

How often should I water my newly planted Royal Purple Smokebush?

Water newly planted Royal Purple Smokebush deeply 2-3 times per week for the first month. Once established in zones 4-8, these drought-tolerant shrubs need minimal supplemental watering. Check soil moisture 2 inches down and water when dry.

When does Royal Purple Smokebush bloom and what color are the flowers?

Royal Purple Smokebush blooms from mid-summer until frost with airy, pinky-purple panicles that develop downy hairs as they age. The 8-inch flower clusters create a distinctive "smoke" effect floating above the burgundy foliage. Cut branches work beautifully in arrangements for closer study.

What are the best companion plants to grow alongside Royal Purple Smokebush?

Royal Purple Smokebush pairs beautifully with golden or chartreuse foliage plants like spirea or ninebark for stunning color contrast. Silver-leaved plants such as Russian sage also complement its deep burgundy leaves. Consider the shrub's 10-12 foot spread when spacing companions, and shop complementary varieties at naturehills.com.

Is Royal Purple Smokebush prone to any specific diseases or pest problems?

Royal Purple Smokebush is generally a low-maintenance shrub with few serious pest or disease issues. It may occasionally face aphids or scale insects, and can develop leaf spot in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Plant in well-draining soil with good airflow and monitor for early signs of problems for best results.

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Royal Purple Smokebush

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'

Planting and Application:

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Where to Plant

Watering Requirements

Pruning Tips

Fertilizer Needs

Shipping Rates

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones can Royal Purple Smokebush survive in?

Does Royal Purple Smokebush need full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

How often should I water my newly planted Royal Purple Smokebush?

When does Royal Purple Smokebush bloom and what color are the flowers?

What are the best companion plants to grow alongside Royal Purple Smokebush?

Is Royal Purple Smokebush prone to any specific diseases or pest problems?

Choose options

Royal Purple Smokebush

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'

Specifications

Description

Planting and Application:

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Watering Requirements

Pruning Tips

Fertilizer Needs

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Find on Page

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones can Royal Purple Smokebush survive in?

Does Royal Purple Smokebush need full sun or can it tolerate partial shade?

How often should I water my newly planted Royal Purple Smokebush?

When does Royal Purple Smokebush bloom and what color are the flowers?

What are the best companion plants to grow alongside Royal Purple Smokebush?

Is Royal Purple Smokebush prone to any specific diseases or pest problems?