Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

Cotinus coggygria 'Purpurea' (Purple Smoke Tree)

Cotinus coggygria 'Purpurea', commonly known as the Purple Smoke Tree, is a striking deciduous shrub or small tree admired for its deep purple foliage and soft, smoke-like flower plumes in summer. The leaves turn vivid shades of orange and red in autumn, adding seasonal interest. Growing to around 3–4 metres tall, it forms a rounded, airy shape and thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Ideal as a feature plant or in mixed borders. Drought tolerant once established.

Cotinus coggygria 'Purpurea' small tree with purple foliage and red-purple flowers.
Cotinus coggygria 'Purpurea' pink-red-purple flowers.
A Cotinus coggygria 'Purpurea' (Smoke Tree) with masses of red-pink flowers.
A small Cotinus coggygria 'Purpurea' (Smoke Tree) with elegant, purple foliage.

Cotinus coggygria Purpurea is currently unavailable.

Why? Our plants are subject to seasonality and high-demand. Please contact us if you would like to know when it becomes available again.

Suited to regions:All regions
Plant type:Shrubs
Height:3.00 m
Spread:3.00 m
Flowering time:Summer
Tolerances:Hardy
Garden uses:Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles:Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known as
Sku13338

How to grow Cotinus coggygria var purpurea in NZ

To grow Cotinus coggygria var. purpurea (Purple Smoke Tree) in New Zealand, choose a sunny position with well-drained soil. This plant thrives in full sun, which helps maintain its rich purple foliage. It tolerates a range of soils but performs best in moderately fertile ground. Water regularly while young, then reduce watering once established, as it is drought-tolerant. Prune in late winter to early spring to shape or rejuvenate the plant. Avoid heavy feeding, as this can reduce foliage colour intensity.

Purple Smoke Tree care tips

The Purple Smoke Tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly while young, then reduce as it becomes drought tolerant. Prune in late winter to shape or rejuvenate the plant, with hard pruning encouraging larger leaves. Minimal feeding is needed, as excessive fertiliser can dull the foliage colour. It is generally pest and disease free, making it an easy-care addition to any garden.

Why buy Cotinus coggygria 'Purpurea' from The Plant Company?

Buy Cotinus coggygria 'Purpurea' from The Plant Company for a top-quality, NZ-grown plant that thrives in local conditions. You’ll enjoy fast nationwide delivery, expert support, and a stunning feature tree with rich purple foliage, airy flower plumes, and brilliant autumn colour. Each plant is hand-selected for health and vigour, ensuring it arrives garden-ready and easy to establish in your landscape.

Questions and Answers

Have a question about Cotinus coggygria Purpurea? We are here to help.

Cotinus 'Golden Spirit' specimen tree with bright yellow foliage.
Most Popular

Cotinus 'Golden Spirit'

Cotinus 'Golden Spirit' is a yellow Smoke Tree grown for its foliage and interesting flowers. The foliage is golden yellow and is held off multiple...

Purple foliage on a Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' (Smoke Tree).
Most Popular

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' is a bold ornamental shrub or small tree admired for its rich, dark purple foliage and airy, smoke-like flower...

Cotinus obovatus 'Grace' purple-orange foliage.
Most Popular

Cotinus 'Grace'

Cotinus obovatus 'Grace' is a stunning deciduous shrub or small tree known for its large, soft purple leaves that mature to rich red and orange tones...

A Cotinus 'Velvet Cloak' shrub with purple-red foliage.
Most Popular

Cotinus 'Velvet Cloak'

Cotinus 'Velvet Cloak' is a striking deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its deep burgundy-purple foliage and dramatic, smoky flower plumes in...

Griselinia Broadway Mint hedge with lush, green foliage.
Most Popular

Griselinia Broadway Mint

Griselinia Broadway Mint, commonly known as NZ Broadleaf, is a fast-growing, evergreen New Zealand native shrub prized for its dense, glossy...

From$6.00
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

411 Google reviews