About

Cotinus Dusky Maiden ('Londus' PBR) is a compact shrub characterized by its rounded, dark blue-green leaves that exhibit wavy margins and a prominent purple hue, transitioning to orange-red shades in the fall. It produces clusters of small yellow flowers on dark pink stems, which may appear in limited quantities. These blooms are succeeded by delicate, silvery-grey seedheads that add texture to the landscape.

About the genus

Cotinus consists of sizable deciduous shrubs or small trees characterized by simple, obovate leaves that typically display vibrant autumn hues. During the summer, they produce inconspicuous flowers clustered in large, fluffy panicles, which later develop into colorful fruit.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

North-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Plant type

Shrubs

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Spread

1-1.5 metres

Time to full height

10-20 years

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

Care notes

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade

Pruning

Pruning group 1, but may be hard pruned in early spring to control size and improve foliage display

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely), verticillium wilt and powdery mildews in dry conditions