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Home Ask MG Ask MG: Why is my Purple smoke tree not smoking?

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Ask MG: Why is my Purple smoke tree not smoking?

March 10, 2018   •   7 Comments

I have a purple smoke tree that is about 9 years old. It is a large, healthy tree, but it has never “smoked.” Every spring it is full of blossoms, then when other smoke trees are beginning to smoke, the blossoms on this tree shrivel and die. I have tried watering it more, I have tried watering it less. Any ideas? J.W., Ann Arbor

Although smoke tree or smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria) requires well-drained soil and full sun, it is quite adaptable to different soil conditions. A large shrub or small multi-stemmed tree that can grow to 15 feet tall, it can work as a background plant for the mixed border or as a single specimen plant. Its claim to fame is the cloud of pinkish gray “smoke” that covers the plant in the summer. The effect is the result not of flowers, but of tiny pinkish hairs on the small fruits that occur in large clusters. There are some popular cultivars with purple leaves and darker flower clusters, such as ‘Royal Purple,’ ‘Velvet Cloak,’ and ‘Nordine Red.’

While smoke bush is relatively easy to grow, it can use some help in the early stages of development. For a new plant, avoid planting in waterlogged or poorly draining soil. For an existing plant, dig a dozen holes with a crowbar at the drip line that are a foot deep. Fill these holes with 5-10-10 fertilizer. This should be a one-time application. Early spring is best but it can be any time. It isn’t necessary to repeat this unless the smoke bush is not thriving in later years. Woody plants are going to be happier if you don’t overdo it. Annuals, tropicals and turf are heavy feeders, but over-fertilizing perennials and woody plants can force them to produce more stems and leaves than they want to, which can lead to unnecessary stress. Once established in the landscape, shrubs and trees adjust to the nutrients in the soil and often don’t want too much extra pampering. Avoid fertilizing (directly or indirectly) with high nitrogen (lawn) fertilizer; nitrogen promotes stem and leaf growth at the expense of flower production.

If your tree is planted in the lawn, remove the grass in at least a 6-foot diameter area around your tree. Mulch the area (do not pile mulch up against the trunk) and water infrequently: a good soaking once per week is much better than multiple small waterings. Smoke bush is drought-resistant and overwatering can result in few or no blooms, and makes it more susceptible to disease. Woody plants need watering less frequently than tender annuals, lawn, or herbaceous plants. Most established trees and shrubs can go weeks without supplemental watering except in very hot or windy weather.

Filed Under: Ask MG Tagged With: blossoms, Cotinus coggygria, purple smoke tree, spring, trees

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Comments

  1. KC StumpBusters says

    May 3, 2018 at 3:10 am

    It was nice to know more about smoke tree. Informative article!

    Reply
  2. Nanna Kont says

    May 20, 2019 at 5:38 am

    Yes, but it did not answer the question. ..I’ve got exactly the same problem. Around fifteen year old smoke, bush tree, thriving, healthy and full of flowers. But they shrivel instead of producing the smoke effect. Never have looked as they should.. Maybe it is a different species?

    Reply
    • Laurie says

      August 14, 2019 at 12:41 pm

      I have the same problem mine is 17 years old and has never smoked and is now starting to die off. I am kind of glad it is because it never did what I bought it for so now I can replace it with something like a real flowering tree.

      Reply
  3. Jean taylor says

    July 10, 2019 at 9:39 pm

    I have a young purple smoke bush that I just planted late spring, the leaves are all dried and brittle, not sure it i don’t water it enough of maybe too much, they told me to keep it well watered, what can I do to save it?? I love it

    Reply
    • jhofley says

      January 7, 2020 at 6:22 pm

      It’s hard to say. We recommend taking a sample leaf to your local garden center for them to evaluate. Thanks for reading! -Jonathon

      Reply
  4. Kristin says

    April 25, 2020 at 1:35 pm

    I live in zone four on the border of Wisconsin and Minnesota. Last fall I received four smoke trees in bare root form. I planted them as soon as I receive them in the mail. It’s now the end of April and I see no life in any of them. When can I expect to see some budding and life coming forth from my royal purple smoke trees?

    Reply
    • jhofley says

      May 3, 2020 at 3:31 pm

      Hi Kristin – If your smoke bush still has not leafed out, cut a small branch off the plant and take it to your local independent garden center nursery. They can help you diagnose the issue with knowledge specific to your region. Best, Jonathon

      Reply

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