PLANT ARCHIVE | Cotinus Grace

Soft and billowing, Cotinus ‘Grace’, commonly known as Smoke Bush, is a large deciduous shrub-small tree celebrated for its translucent ovate foliage and ethereal summer blooms. These smoky, pinkish-purple flowers appear as hazy plumes creating a striking visual in the landscape. ‘Grace’ is a hybrid variety with a unique ombre of green to burgundy in spring, moving to vibrant autumnal colours before leaf drop. It performs well in Australian conditions, particularly throughout Victoria’s varied climates.

Growing Conditions

Cotinus ‘Grace’ is drought tolerant, performing best in full sun where its foliage develops the deepest colour. It tolerates many soil types, provided they drain well. Reaching heights of 3–5 metres with a similar spread, it can feature as a large shrub or small tree. When planting, allow adequate space for natural form development and airflow.

Care & Maintenance

Once established, Smoke Bush is relatively low maintenance. Light pruning can be performed to shape or encourage bushier growth. For a more compact form with larger leaves, it can be cut back hard in late winter or early spring. Fertiliser should be used sparingly, as overly rich soil can reduce flowering. Maintain good drainage to prevent root issues.

Garden design

Cotinus ‘Grace’ makes a bold statement in contemporary and coastal gardens. Its deep foliage provides excellent contrast against softer greens and silvers, while its airy blooms add movement and lightness to structured planting schemes.

At NBLA, we typically position it among mixed plantings or as a backdrop to layered plantings where its height and colour can anchor the composition. Smoke bush works beautifully when paired with ornamental grasses or perennials as shown in picture 4/4.

Its seasonal transformation, lush in spring, smoky in summer, and vibrant in autumn ensures year-round interest in any considered garden design.