Pollination Info for Royal Purple Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple')

Royal Purple Smokebush is a member of the Anacardiaceae family, also known as the cashew family. It is an ornamental shrub known for its beautiful smoky-purple foliage, which turns to shades of orange, red, and yellow in the fall.

While Royal Purple Smokebush produces small yellowish-green flowers, they are not the primary attraction of the plant. However, the flowers do play an important role in pollination. The flowers produce nectar, which attracts bees, butterflies, and other insects that help pollinate the plant by carrying pollen from flower to flower.

Royal Purple Smokebush is self-fertile, meaning it can self-pollinate to produce viable seeds. However, cross-pollination with other Smokebush varieties can result in seeds with unique genetic traits.

It is important to note that Royal Purple Smokebush is not considered a major source of pollen or allergies, as the flowers are relatively small and do not produce significant amounts of pollen.

Royal Purple Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple') FAQs

What is a Royal Purple Smokebush?

Royal Purple Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple') is a deciduous shrub that is valued for its purple foliage and showy, smoky pink flower clusters that appear in early summer. It can grow up to 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide and is native to southern Europe and central China.

How do I care for a Royal Purple Smokebush?

Royal Purple Smokebush is relatively low maintenance. It prefers full sun or partial shade and well-draining soil. It is drought tolerant once established but will benefit from regular watering during hot, dry spells. Prune in early spring to shape or control size and remove any dead or damaged wood.

When does the Royal Purple Smokebush bloom?

Royal Purple Smokebush blooms in early summer, typically in late May or early June. The flowers are pale pink and resemble smoke, hence the common name "Smokebush".

How do I propagate a Royal Purple Smokebush?

Royal Purple Smokebush can be propagated through softwood cuttings taken in early summer or hardwood cuttings taken in the fall. It can also be propagated through layering or from seed, although seed-grown plants may not have the same level of color intensity as those propagated through cuttings.

Is the Royal Purple Smokebush deer resistant?

Royal Purple Smokebush is deer resistant, although no plant is completely immune to deer damage. However, its strong scent and bitter taste make it less palatable to deer than other plants.

Can the Royal Purple Smokebush be grown in containers?

Royal Purple Smokebush can be grown in containers, but keep in mind that it can grow quite large. Choose a container that is at least 24 inches wide and deep and use a well-draining potting mix. Water regularly and fertilize every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Planting and Care for Royal Purple Smokebush

The Royal Purple Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple') is a deciduous shrub that is prized for its attractive, deep purple foliage and striking, smoke-like blooms in the summer months. Here are some planting and care tips to help you grow a healthy and vibrant Royal Purple Smokebush:

Planting

• Select a location with full sun to partial shade.
• Ensure the soil is well-draining and moist, but not waterlogged.
• Plant the Royal Purple Smokebush in the spring or fall.
• Prepare the planting hole to twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
• Water the shrub deeply after planting and keep the soil consistently moist until established.

Care

• Water the Royal Purple Smokebush regularly, particularly during dry spells or hot weather.
• Mulch around the base of the shrub to help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperatures.
• Prune the shrub in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and promote new growth.
• Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to encourage healthy growth and blooms.
• Protect the plant from extreme cold or heat.
• Monitor for pest and disease issues and treat as needed.

With proper planting and care, your Royal Purple Smokebush can provide years of beauty and enjoyment in your landscape.