What is a smoke bush?
Smoketree, or smokebush, is an upright spreading deciduous shrub or small tree in the Anacardiaceae (cashew or poison ivy) family. It will provide a wide range of garden interest throughout the season. The smoky pink flowers are showy, wispy, and airy and appear in mid-summer. Although the smoke tree is short lived with a lifespan of about 20 years, it requires little maintenance. The Fall color is highly variable, but at its best produces very attractive shades of yellow, orange, red and purplish-red.
Is a smoke bush fast growing?
A Word to the Wise: Don’t expect smoke bushes to stay small! They are fast growing, and not good if you’re trying to keep shrubs under four feet tall. Know that you can, however, prune to promote bushiness to make a fuller plant. Yes, smoke bushes can be hard pruned. Reducing it to the ground (coppicing) in early spring will stimulate new, bushy growth with bright foliage.The best time to rejuvenate prune is before budding begins in late winter or early spring. Young Smokebush can shoot up odd branches – growing tall before filling out. I suggest pruning the unusual shoots as they come along to encourage thicker branching.
Is smoke bush poisonous?
Being in the cashew and sumac family, the sap of the Smoke Tree is mildly toxic as it does have the potential to cause skin irritation in humans. Smoketree has a beneficial effect on: – hemorrhoids, joint swelling; – diarrhea, dysentery; – Colitis; – bleeding gums.Being in the cashew and sumac family, the sap of the Smoke Tree is mildly toxic as it does have the potential to cause skin irritation in humans.
Where is the best place to plant a smoke bush?
Where to grow smoke bush. All cotinus varieties need well-drained, fertile soil and a spot in a border in full sun or partial shade. Purple-leaved smoke bushes produce the best leaf colour if grown in full sun. Cotinus prefer full sun and well-draining soil, but some varieties can tolerate dappled shade. Growth rates also vary, but fast-growing varieties can add three to five feet per year. This smoke bush is planted in the garden outside my Tenant House. Smoke bushes do well in almost any soil type and most any pH level.Cotinus coggygria are easy shrubs to care for. Water well until the plant becomes established, and then there shouldn’t be any need to water unless conditions are very dry. Smoke bush benefits from a generous helping of home-made compost, well-rotted manure or leaf mould in spring.
Can you plant a smoke bush next to a house?
Smoke bush plants should be placed at least 10 feet from your house and other structures. Planting too close can damage the foundation. Smoke Tree Spacing Larger varieties that grow 10+ feet tall and wide should be planted at least 10 feet away from structures and other plants. Smaller dwarf varieties that can be planted as hedge or in groups can be planted a couple feet apart, allowing them space to grow while also creating that hedge look.