How to Grow Cotinus Grace - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Cotinus grace is an ornamental shrub that is native to Asia. It is grown for its beautiful, large, and showy flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are followed by equally showy fruits that ripen in the fall. Cotinus grace is a deciduous shrub, meaning it will lose its leaves in the winter. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Cotinus Grace - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • European smoketree
  • Common smoketree
  • Smoketree
  • Common smoketree
  • Smokebush

Common Knowledge

  • Cotinus grace is a shrub or small tree that is native to southern Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
  • It is also known as smoke bush or smoketree.
  • The leaves of cotinus grace are variable in shape, but are typically ovate or elliptical and have toothed margins.
  • The flowers of cotinus grace are small and borne in clusters. They are usually yellowish-green or reddish in color.
  • The fruit of cotinus grace is a small, dry, oval-shaped drupe.
  • Cotinus grace is often cultivated as an ornamental plant.
  • It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and conditions.
  • Cotinus grace can be propagated by seed or cuttings.
  • It is relatively pest and disease free.
  • Cotinus grace has a lifespan of 10-15 years.

Related plant:
Cotinus Golden Spirit

How to Grow

  1. For cotinus grace, first step is to find a sunny spot in your garden that has well-drained soil.
  2. Then, using a spade or trowel, dig a hole that is twice the size of the cotinus grace's root ball.
  3. Next, you will need to mix some compost or organic matter into the hole.
  4. Once you have done that, it is time to plant your cotinus grace.
  5. Water your plant regularly, especially during the summer months.
  6. In the fall, you should cut back the cotinus grace's stems by about half.
  7. The following spring, your cotinus grace should start to produce new growth.
  8. Once your plant is established, you can begin to fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer.
  9. To keep your cotinus grace looking its best, you will need to deadhead the spent flowers.
  10. Lastly, you may need to prune your cotinus grace to control its size and shape.

The Soil

About soil condition, cotinus Grace prefers well-drained soil but will tolerate some drought once established. It is not particular about soil type or pH. It will grow in both full sun and partial shade, but the foliage color is best in full sun.

Light condition

Not too different with other plants, cotinus grace needs sunlight to grow. Without at least six hours of sunlight per day, the plant will begin to struggle. It's important to make sure that the plant gets enough sunlight, especially when it's young. If you're growing cotinus grace indoors, be sure to place it near a south-facing window.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for Cotinus Grace is a warm climate. This plant does not do well in cold climates and will often die if exposed to temperatures below freezing. In warm climates, however, Cotinus Grace thrives and can grow to be quite large. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50% or less. If the humidity is too high, the plant will suffer from leaf problems such as fungal diseases. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will become dry and scorched.

The Fertilizer

About fertilizer, this plant isn't very choosy. A general-purpose fertilizer applied a couple of times during the growing season is adequate. Be sure to water well before and after applying fertilizer. As for the roots, they don't like to be disturbed, so it's best to plant cotinus in its permanent spot when you purchase it. If you must move it, do so in early spring before new growth begins.

Plant Pruning

Pruning cotinus grace (shrubby smoke bush) is best done in late winter to early spring. Shaping can be done at any time. The plant responds well to hard pruning, so don't be afraid to cut it back severely if needed. Cotinus grace is a versatile plant that can be used as a specimen plant, informal hedge, or in a mixed border.

The Propagation

Propagation of cotinus grace is best done through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from new growth that is soft, yet still firm. Cuttings should be about 6 inches long and have at least 2-3 nodes. Make sure to remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Cuttings can be planted directly into potting mix or soil and should be kept moist until they have rooted.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate during the spring and summer months, but the actual amount of growth varies greatly depending on the species. Some cotinus grace can grow several feet in a single growing season, while others may only grow a few inches. In general, the faster-growing varieties of cotinus grace are those that are in full sun and have plenty of water.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves may curl or the plant may wilt. If the leaves curl, it is most likely due to too much water or not enough light. If the plant wilts, it is most likely due to too much heat or not enough water.

Growing Tips

  • Remember to water your cotinus grace regularly, especially when the weather is hot and dry.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  • Fertilize your plant every few weeks during the growing season with a high-quality fertilizer.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it looking its best.
  • Be on the lookout for pests or diseases and take action immediately if you notice any problems.
  • Place your cotinus grace in an area where it will receive full sun for best results.
  • When growing cotinus grace in a container, be sure to use a well-draining potting mix.
  • If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to provide some protection for your plant.
  • When the weather warms up in spring, you can begin to feed your plant

You May Like

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  • Cotoneaster frigidus, cotoneaster pauciflorus
  • Cotoneaster divaricatus, cotoneaster dielsianus
  • Cotoneaster glacialis, cotoneaster laciniatus
  • Cotoneaster horizontalis, cotoneaster humilis
  • Cotoneaster integrifolius, cotoneaster lacteus
  • Cotoneaster salicifolius, cotoneaster suaveolens
  • Cotoneaster pannosus, cotoneaster multiflorus
  • Cotoneaster bullatus, cotoneaster esculentus
  • Cotoneaster congestus, cotoneaster dammeri

Source:
Cotinus × ‘Grace’ - science.smith.edu
JC Raulston Arboretum - Our Plants - Cotinus 'Grace'
Species: Cotinus coggygria - Cornell University

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category