Cotinus coggygria Royal Purple

Cotinus coggygria Royal Purple

Why Buy Me?

• Lovely, rich coloured leaves
• Looks great when grouped with yellows and blues
• Will grow big

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun is best for deep, rich leaf colour; tolerates light shade but with less intense foliage colour.

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; tolerates a range of soil types including alkaline, neutral, or slightly acidic.

• Exposure: Best in an open, sheltered position; avoid very windy sites which may damage young shoots.

• Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is drought-tolerant, though it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.

Cultivation & Care

• Planting Time: Plant in spring or early autumn to allow roots to establish before extreme weather.

• Spacing: Space plants approximately 1.5–2.5 metres (5–8 feet) apart to allow room for mature spread.

• Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season. Once established, occasional deep watering is sufficient.

• Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if growth is slow; often thrives without additional feeding.

• Mulching: Apply a 5–7 cm (2–3 inch) layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape or rejuvenate. Hard pruning promotes larger leaves and a more shrub-like form; light pruning preserves airy, tree-like habit and flowering.

• Propagation: Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or layering in autumn.

Seasonal Interest

• Spring: Deep purple foliage emerges; young shoots are especially vivid.

• Summer: Airy pinkish-purple flower panicles appear, giving a “smoky” effect; foliage retains rich burgundy to dark purple colour.

• Autumn: Leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and scarlet, creating spectacular fall colour.

• Winter: Deciduous; bare branches remain as a structural feature in the landscape.

Wildlife & Garden Use

• Wildlife: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators; structure provides occasional shelter for birds and beneficial insects.

• Garden Use: Excellent as a specimen shrub, accent plant, or in mixed borders; effective in modern gardens, Mediterranean-style gardens, or as part of a shrubbery.

• Companion Plants: Pairs beautifully with silver foliage plants (e.g., Artemisia, Perovskia), ornamental grasses, and light-coloured flowering perennials such as salvia, echinacea, and gaura to contrast its dark foliage.

Transform your home and garden with Cotinus coggygria Royal Purple —a must-have for any season. Order online now for quick and easy shopping, or drop by your local Thompson's Branch to explore it up close and get personalised recommendations.