Seasonal calendar · Cotinus coggygria

European Smoketree, AKA Venetian Sumach

The year for this species, phase by phase — what to watch and what to do as the season turns.

  • Late Dormancy02-15–03-10
  • Early Spring03-11–04-15
  • Mid Spring04-16–05-10
  • Late Spring05-11–05-31
  • Early Summer06-01–06-30
  • Mid Summer07-01–08-10
  • Late Summer08-11–08-31
  • Early Fall09-01–09-30
  • Mid Fall10-01–10-31
  • Late Fall11-01–11-15
  • Early Winter11-16–12-31
  • Mid Winter01-01–01-31
  • Late Winter02-01–02-14

Filter by concern

Watering

Daily or as needed; ensure free drainage.

Fertilization

Continue biweekly feeding with balanced fertilizer.

Repotting

Only emergency repotting; generally avoided now.

Pruning

Pinch and thin to control vigor and improve light penetration.

Wiring

Adjust or remove wire before it bites into soft new wood.

Defoliation

Avoid full defoliation; partial possible if leaves overly large.

Bud Shoot Management

Selectively thin new growth to strengthen interior buds.

Pests Disease

Monitor for aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew.

Summer Protection

Begin preparing for sun/wind exposure; mulch surface if needed.

Wound Management

Seal any training or damage wounds promptly.

Deadwood Carving

Best avoided during peak sap activity.

Propagation

Take softwood cuttings; use rooting hormone for better success.

Development

Focus on balancing energy and building secondary branching.

Display

Possible if tree is well-established and in leaf.

Paths onward

This speciesEuropean Smoketree, AKA Venetian SumachBack to the folio — care sheet and year-wheel.The yearThe CalendarAll thirteen phases across every species at once.ReferenceThe Species LibraryA folio for every species the garden knows.
Mossy Spot · PNW · Zone 8bgrow slowly
Mossy Spot❧The Species Library❧European Smoketree, AKA Venetian Sumach❧Seasonal calendar
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