cotinus coggygria velvet cloak

Why Choose Cotinus coggygria Velvet Cloak?

Cotinus coggygria Velvet Cloak is prized for its deep purple leaves that hold their colour throughout the growing season. In early summer, it produces airy, cloud-like panicles of pinkish purple "smoke," creating a soft, ethereal effect above the foliage. As autumn approaches, the leaves shift to fiery shades of red, orange, and gold, extending your garden's display of colour well into late season.

• Height and Spread: Grows typically 2–3 metres tall and wide
• Foliage: Dense, velvety, dark purple leaves
• Flowers: Airy, plume-like panicles from late spring
• Autumn Colour: Brilliant reds and oranges

Easy Care and Versatile Planting

Cotinus coggygria Velvet Cloak thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for New Zealand’s varied climates. Thanks to its tough, adaptable nature, Velvet Cloak is perfect as a standalone specimen, as part of a mixed border, or even pruned into a dramatic, architectural form.

Pair Velvet Cloak with silvery foliage plants like Lavandula Grosso or Lavandula allardii for stunning contrast. It also works beautifully with other bold shrubs, such as Azalea Purple Glitters (Purple Glitters Azalea) or Ceanothus roweanus (Ceanothus papillosus Roweanus) for added interest throughout the year.

Design Ideas with Purple Smoke Bushes

Cotinus coggygria Velvet Cloak isn’t the only standout in its family. Explore our range of smoke bushes to find just the right hue and form for your garden vision:

• Cotinus coggygria Purpureus (Purple Smoke Tree) – Intense, dark purple foliage and classic smoky plumes
• Cotinus Grace (Smoke Tree) – Lush, wine-red growth and dramatic size
• Cotinus Golden Spirit (Golden Spirit Smokebush) – Glowing golden leaves and subtle pink smoke
• Cotinus coggygria Royal Purple (Royal Purple Smoke Tree) – Rich purple leafage with flamboyant flower plumes
• Cotinus coggygria (Cotinus Smoke Bush) – The classic versatile shrub for borders or feature planting

For a truly striking contrast, combine Cotinus coggygria Velvet Cloak with architectural New Zealand natives such as Cordyline Kiwi Pride.

Planting and Care Tips

• Plant Cotinus coggygria Velvet Cloak in a sunny, sheltered spot for the best foliage colour and flower production.
• Prune in late winter or early spring for shape and size control.
• Water regularly while establishing, then allow the soil to dry between waterings.
• Feed occasionally with a balanced slow-release fertiliser to support healthy growth.

With its combination of bold colour, easy care, and year-round impact, Cotinus coggygria Velvet Cloak is the perfect choice for gardeners seeking drama and flair in their planting designs. Explore our full collection of smoke bushes and companion plants to curate a garden that dazzles in every season.