Smoke Bush Smokey Joe

A compact and striking deciduous shrub, Cotinus ‘Smokey Joe’ also known as Cotinus coggygria 'Lisjo' is prized for its rich colour and billowing summer “smoke.” Its rounded leaves emerge deep purple in spring, maturing to a dusky, blue-toned burgundy that holds its colour beautifully through the season. In early to midsummer, large, feathery plumes of soft pinkish-purple flowers appear, giving the plant its characteristic hazy, smoke-like effect.

Smaller and neater than many other smoke bushes, ‘Smokey Joe’ is perfect for mixed borders, courtyard gardens, or as a stand-alone feature where space is limited, it is also an excellent shrub to grow in a container. In autumn, its foliage transforms into fiery shades of red and orange, providing a spectacular finale before leaf fall. Hardy and easy to grow, it thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, where its foliage colour is at its best. This Cotinus flowers on one year old wood and minimal pruning is needed - simply remove older stems to maintain shape and vigour.

Site: Borders, specimen planting, containers, mixed shrub displays
Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile
Position: Full sun for best leaf colour
Season of interest: Summer (flowers & foliage); Autumn (foliage)
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 6ft (2m) Spread: 5 ft (1.5m) in 10 years