The Velvet Fog® Smokebush

Not all smokebushes are created equal, as evidenced by the fabulous The Velvet Fog smokebush. Each early summer, it creates dozens of billowy blossoms that mature into those characteristic smoke-like puffs over the following weeks. Their vivid pink color contrasts delightfully with the waxy, blue-green foliage. Another feature that sets The Velvet Fog smokebush apart is its dense, lush habit – it naturally grows as a neat oval. It makes a stunning specimen or unexpected hedge option, and even plays nicely in perennial and flower gardens.

Fun fact: The “smoke” that gives smokebush its name is not actually the flowers – it’s the seed heads. The flowers themselves are actually quite small and not all that showy, but as they age and develop into seeds, they take on that fascinating smoke-like puff.

Top reasons to grow The Velvet Fog smokebush:

  • Sets more flowers than conventional smokebush
  • Brighter and better pink smoke color
  • Lush, dense habit is not awkward like older smokebushes

Additional information

Dimensions6 × 5 ft
Botanical Name

Cotinus coggygria 'SMNCCPP3' PP#32,352, CBRAF

Zone

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Flower Color

Pink

Foliage Color

Blue-green

Height

5-8'

Width/Spread

6'

Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun

Soil

Average, Dry, Well-drained

Bloom Time

Summer

Uses

Borders, Foundations, Low Hedges, Specimen

Features

Alkaline soil, Clay soil, Cut flower, Deer resistant, Fall interest

Blooms On

Old wood

Breeder

Tim Wood

SKU: 19628 Categories: , , ,

Plant Care

Light: Full sun (6+ hrs/day) to part sun (4-6 hrs/day)

Soil: Any average, well-drained soil will do.

Water: Average water needs; drought tolerant once established.

Fertilizing: Little needed; one application of a granular (not liquid) rose fertilizer in early spring is sufficient, though you may fertilize monthly from early spring through late July if desired.

Pruning: Generally speaking, you should avoid regular pruning of smokebush. You can prune selectively to develop the desired habit and shape in late winter/early spring; however, avoid cutting the plant back each year. This not only encourages a funky, unruly branching, but because smokebush blooms on old wood, it also removes developing flower buds for later that summer.