Overview

Cotinus coggygria 'Lilla' is a bushy, large, deciduous shrub or small tree deciduous shrub in the genus Cotinus, part of the Anacardiaceae family, with deciduous, oval-shaped, purple or green leaves turning red and orange in autumn foliage. It typically grows around 5.0 m tall. Cotinus coggygria 'Lilla' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include specimen plant, shrub borders, mixed plantings and lawn specimen.

About

Cotinus coggygria, syn. Rhus cotinus, the European smoketree, Eurasian smoketree, smoke tree, smoke bush, Venetian sumach, or dyer's sumach, is a Eurasian species of flowering plant in the family Anacardiaceae.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cotinus coggygria

About the genus

Cotinus, the smoketree or smoke bush, is a genus of seven species of flowering plants in the family Anacardiaceae, closely related to the sumacs (Rhus).

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Cotinus

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil pH
Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing
Exposure
Exposed
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Cotinus coggygria 'Lilla' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Deciduous shrub
Habit
Bushy, Large, Deciduous shrub or small tree
Foliage
Deciduous, Oval-shaped, Purple or green leaves turning red and orange in autumn
Height
5.0 m
Suggested uses
Specimen plant, Shrub borders, Mixed plantings, Lawn specimen

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Cotinus coggygria 'Lilla'

Propagation
Semi-hardwood cuttings, Layering, Root softwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Honey fungus, Verticillium wilt, Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Cotinus coggygria 'Lilla'?

Cotinus coggygria 'Lilla' prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.

What soil does Cotinus coggygria 'Lilla' need?

Cotinus coggygria 'Lilla' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.

How big does Cotinus coggygria 'Lilla' grow?

Cotinus coggygria 'Lilla' reaches a height of 5.0 m.

Is Cotinus coggygria 'Lilla' hardy in the UK?

Cotinus coggygria 'Lilla' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Cotinus coggygria 'Lilla'?

Semi-hardwood cuttings, Layering, Root softwood cuttings.

From the Fenn Plants journal