Shrub Spotlight for June
Smokebush in Minnesota Landscapes
Every month, The BIG Oak will spotlight a specific shrub type or shrub topic to examine further. Here is a look at smokebush for June:
“Where there is smoke, there is fire” definitely applies to smokebush (Cotinus). It is difficult to not notice a smokebush in an urban landscape. They have interesting foliage, form and a flower that will catch your eye. Smokebush is a fanstastic shrub to be used as a single specimen or showcase in a landscape bed planting. Smokebush can grow a little on the wild side , so it will need some space. Most varieties are taller in size so consider that when planting them.
Common Types
Grace (12 feet high / 5 feet wide, purple foliage, pink flowers in summer), Zone 4
Velvet Cloak (10 feet high / 8 feet wide, yellow flowers, purple foliage all season), Zone 4
Winecraft Black (6 feet high / wide, pink flowers, dark purple foliage), Zone 4
Winecraft Gold (6 feet high / wide, gold to pink flowers), golden foliage, Zone 5
Smokebush flower in mid-summer in Minnesota.
The Downside to Smokebush
The only real negative for planting smokebush in Minnesota landscapes is the potential for winter dieback. During severe Minnesota winters, smokebush can dieback partially or fully to the ground. The good news is they are vigorous growers and fill in quickly (but you will typically lose the size / height and will have to start over).
Shrub Pruning for Smokebush
Typically, I would only prune smokebush in early April once I have assessed potential winter dieback. At this point, I will prune back smokebush to the point they “died back” over the winter. This may be a light touch-up or a complete full rejuvenation to ground level. Every year seems to be different.
Bonus comment from The Big Oak = Smokebush provides 2 different opportunities for floral arrangements or decor to be used around the yard or inside the house. Smokebush flowers are a great focal point for summer arrangements, as well as the purple foliage during fall decor (see below).
Pruning and removing a small dead branch in early fall leaving the rest of the smokebush over winter.
The picture shows new regrowth after an 8-foot smokebush “died back” to ground level after a harsh Minnesota winter.
Bonus comment from The BIG Oak = Utilize smokebush clippings in fall baskets, vases and other fall decorations. The add great height and pop from the purple foliage.
