Cotinus flame is a beautiful, low-maintenance shrub that is perfect for anyone who wants to add a touch of color to their garden. This shrub is easy to care for and is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. Cotinus flame is also known as smoketree or smoke bush, and its unique foliage is what gives it its name. The leaves of this shrub are a deep green color, but when they are exposed to sunlight they turn a bright red, orange, or yellow, giving the plant a fiery appearance.
Related plant:
Cotinus Golden Spirit
Related plant:
Cotinus Coggygria
About soil condition, cotinus flame prefers well-drained soils, and also can grow in poor soils. It is drought tolerant. This plant is not fussy about soil type as long as it is well-drained. It will even grow in heavy clay soils.
So, like the other members of the Cotinus genus, the Flame has high sun light requirements. 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is needed for it to thrive. If you can provide this much sun, you'll be rewarded with a shrub that's covered in beautiful orange-red flowers from late spring to early summer.
The temperature condition of the cotinus flame is ideal for those who enjoy a warm climate. This plant is known to be able to thrive in hot weather, making it the perfect choice for those who live in states such as California or Texas. While the cotinus flame can survive in colder climates, it will not flower as abundantly.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40%-60%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will start to drop and the plant will become increasingly stressed. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and the plant will be more susceptible to fungal diseases.
For the fertilizer, this plant does best with a light application of a balanced fertilizer. In the spring, when the new growth begins, is the best time to give the Cotinus Flame a light feeding. For the roots, this plant is not particularly fussy and will do well in most any type of soil as long as it is well-drained. A light mulch around the base of the plant will help to keep the roots cool and moist during the hot summer months.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your cotinus healthy and looking its best. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. You can prune off any dead or damaged branches, as well as any that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You can also prune to shape the plant or to control its size.
Propagation is best done in early spring by taking root cuttings from young plants. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of the plants and should be about 4 to 6 inches in length. The cuttings should be placed in a propagating border or bed and covered with a plastic sheet to maintain moisture. After about four to six weeks, the roots should be well developed and the plants can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Usually, the plant growth rate during a single growing season. However, some growers report that their cotinus grow best over several growing seasons. In general, cotinus should be grown in full sun to partial shade and in moist, well-drained soil.
Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spot, crown rot, and powdery mildew. These diseases are caused by different fungi and often attack the plant during periods of high humidity or when the plant is under stress.
Source:
Cotinus coggygria Flame (Flame Smoketree, Flame)
Cotinus coggygriaFlame - University of Florida
Cotinus coggygria Smoke Tree - UC Master Gardener
