All Species > Cotinus coggygria

European Smoketree, AKA Venetian Sumach

Broadleaf shrub with dramatic foliage and interesting bark; challenging to miniaturize.

Seasonal Care Guide

Early Summer (Jun 1 – Jun 30)

  • Watering: High frequency; never allow to dry out completely.
  • Fertilization: Shift to lower-nitrogen feed to prevent overly coarse growth.
  • Repotting: Not recommended.
  • Pruning: Light maintenance only; avoid major cuts.
  • Wiring: Monitor closely; growth thickens rapidly.
  • Defoliation: Partial defoliation possible to reduce leaf size.
  • Bud Shoot Management: Thin vigorous areas; allow weak zones to catch up.
  • Pests Disease: High risk for mildew; ensure airflow and apply fungicide if needed.
  • Summer Protection: Provide dappled shade or afternoon protection in hot climates.
  • Wound Management: Limit wounding; avoid major cuts due to sap bleed.
  • Deadwood Carving: Not ideal.
  • Propagation: Semi-hardwood cuttings possible with high humidity.
  • Development: Emphasize ramification and internode control.
  • Display: Good time for display; foliage vibrant and attractive.

Mid Summer (Jul 1 – Aug 10)

  • Watering: Daily or twice daily during heat waves.
  • Fertilization: Use low-nitrogen or potassium-rich feed to support wood maturity.
  • Pruning: Avoid heavy pruning; light shaping only.
  • Wiring: Adjust or remove wires if swelling occurs.
  • Defoliation: Avoid—stress and heat reduce recovery capacity.
  • Bud Shoot Management: Use pruning to redirect energy subtly.
  • Pests Disease: Watch for mites, mildew, and leaf scorch.
  • Summer Protection: Maintain shade and consistent moisture.
  • Wound Management: Delay major work; focus on healing conditions.
  • Deadwood Carving: Avoid due to high sap activity.
  • Propagation: Continue semi-hardwood cutting propagation.
  • Development: Focus on subtle shape control; avoid stressing the tree.
  • Display: Still showy if healthy, but heat stress may affect appearance.

Late Summer (Aug 11 – Aug 31)

  • Watering: Maintain consistent hydration as days shorten.
  • Fertilization: Final low-nitrogen feed to prepare for dormancy.
  • Pruning: Light trim if needed to maintain silhouette.
  • Wiring: Avoid new wiring; begin planning for fall/winter wiring.
  • Bud Shoot Management: Let late growth mature; don’t force new flushes.
  • Pests Disease: Continue mildew watch; prune for airflow.
  • Winter Protection: Plan shelter strategy for coming frost.
  • Summer Protection: Shade can be reduced gradually.
  • Wound Management: Healing slows—seal even small wounds.
  • Deadwood Carving: Can resume light carving if temps drop.
  • Propagation: End of useful cutting period.
  • Development: Begin wind-down of active development cycle.
  • Display: Declining; foliage may start fading.

Placement & Seasonal Notes

  • Placement: Full sun
  • Notes: Full sun helps retain compact internodes.
  • Winter: Wood is brittle when cold; avoid manipulation.
  • Summer: May sulk in extended heat - provide shade if stressed.

Leaf Traits

  • Persistence: Deciduous
  • Form: Broadleaf

Watering & Fertilization

  • Watering: Moderate
  • Notes: Avoid waterlogging, but don't let dry out.
  • Season: Spring → Autumn
  • Fertilization: Balanced
  • Notes: Avoid nitrogen overload; encourages coarse growth.

Training Techniques

  • Wiring: Spring or Autumn
  • Notes: Best trained via clip-and-grow due to fragility.
  • Pruning: Structural in spring, maintenance summer
  • Notes: Can defoliate after major prune; plan ahead.
  • Repotting: Every 2-3 years
  • Notes: Use fast-draining mix; dislikes wet roots.

Propagation

  • Method: Cuttings or seed
  • Notes: Softwood cuttings difficult; layering more reliable.

Zone 8b Considerations

Protect roots from late freezes