Winecraft Gold® Smokebush

Cotinus coggygria 'MINCOJAU3'

Multi-Phase Foliage Color: Features a dramatic color shift from spring orange to summer gold, finishing in a cool chartreuse.
Compact, Dense Habit: Reaches a manageable 4-6 feet tall and wide at maturity, requiring less space and pruning than traditional varieties.
Reliable Hardiness: Proven to thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8.
Low Maintenance & Deer Resistant: Highly resistant to deer browsing and adaptable to various soil types once established.

$27⁹⁹

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Plant Size

Quart Container

Product variants

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Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Deer-resistant, Flowering, and Drought resistant

Specifications

Botanical Name

Cotinus coggygria 'MINCOJAU3'
Height

4-6 Feet
Width

4-6 Feet
Growing Zones

5-8
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- Green
- Pink
Leaf Color
- Green
- Orange
- Yellow
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This shrub performs best in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light to maintain its brilliant golden color. While it tolerates partial shade, the foliage may shift toward a duller lime green and produce fewer pink "smoke" plumes.
Soil: Use well drained soil to prevent root rot. If you are dealing with heavy clay, mix in organic compost or plant the shrub in a slightly raised mound to improve drainage and help the roots breathe.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, give your shrub a deep soak once or twice a week to help the roots establish. Once mature, the plant is quite drought tolerant and usually only needs supplemental water during long periods of extreme heat. Inconsistent watering during the establishment phase can lead to scorched leaf edges and stunted growth.

Pruning Tips

This variety blooms on old wood, so any major pruning should be done immediately after the "smoke" plumes fade in late summer. Avoid pruning in late winter or early spring because you will cut off the flower buds and lose the smoke effect for that season. Think of pruning as a light haircut to remove stray branches since this plant naturally maintains a tidy, dense shape.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as the new growth begins to wake up. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers because they prioritize fast green growth which can wash out the intense gold and orange leaf colors. One application at the start of the season is usually plenty to keep the plant vigorous and healthy.

A Luminous Beacon for Your Garden

If you’ve been looking for a way to literally "light up" a corner of your landscape, the Winecraft Gold® Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria 'MINCOJAU3') is your golden ticket. This stunning deciduous shrub, often referred to as the European Smoketree, acts as a living spotlight from the moment it wakes up in the spring. Unlike older, rangier varieties of Smokebush, Winecraft Gold® offers a much denser, semi-dwarf habit that stays neat and tidy without sacrificing that ethereal, wispy look we all love.

A Three-Season Color Transformation

The real magic of this Cotinus lies in its shifting wardrobe. In early spring, the round, waxy leaves emerge with a brilliant, sun-kissed orange glow. As the days lengthen into early summer, that orange transitions into a vibrant, high-definition gold. By late summer, the foliage settles into a cool, refreshing chartreuse that provides the perfect backdrop for other flowering perennials. The texture is soft and inviting, creating a sense of movement as the leaves catch the breeze.

The Signature "Smoke" Effect

Of course, it wouldn't be a Smokebush without the plumes! In early to mid-summer, Winecraft Gold® produces large, cloud-like clusters of green flowers. As these seeds mature, they transform into the iconic pink, fuzzy "smoke" plumes that appear to hover over the golden foliage like a mist. It is a striking color contrast—vivid pink against golden yellow—that demands a second look from every neighbor passing by.

Landscape Versatility

Reaching a perfectly manageable size, this shrub is a "thriller" in every sense of the word. Use it as a glowing specimen plant in a mixed border, or plant several in a row to create a low-maintenance, deer-resistant hedge that glows in the afternoon sun. Because it maintains a dense, oval shape naturally, it’s also an excellent choice for large patio containers where you need height and architectural interest.

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Growing Zones 5-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to plant my Winecraft Gold® Smokebush?

The ideal time to plant is in the spring or fall when temperatures are moderate. This allows the root system to establish before the stress of summer heat or winter dormancy. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and ensure the crown of the plant is level with the soil line.

What are the watering and fertilizing needs for this shrub?

During the first year, water regularly (about once or twice a week) to ensure the roots take hold. Once established, Smokebush is quite drought-tolerant. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins, but avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can reduce the intensity of the leaf color.

How and when should I prune Winecraft Gold®?

This variety naturally grows in a tidy, dense oval, so pruning is rarely necessary. If you must shape it, do so immediately after the "smoke" plumes fade. Be aware that Cotinus blooms on old wood; heavy pruning in late winter or early spring will remove the flower buds and prevent the "smoke" from forming that season.

Is Winecraft Gold® Smokebush deer and pest resistant?

Yes, Smokebush is generally avoided by deer due to the sap and texture of the leaves. It is also remarkably free of major pest and disease issues, making it a "plant it and forget it" favorite for low-maintenance landscapes.

Can I grow this Smokebush in a container?

Absolutely! Because Winecraft Gold® is more compact than other varieties, it makes an excellent "thriller" in large containers. Ensure the pot has excellent drainage and is large enough to accommodate its 4-6 foot mature spread over time.

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

Winecraft Gold® Smokebush

Plant Sentry™

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