Botanical name: Cotinus ‘Grace’ (syn. Cotinus X 'Grace')
Common names: 'Grace' smoke tree; 'Grace' smoketree; 'Grace' smoke bush; 'Grace' smokebush
USDA zones: 4-9
Water requirement: average; do not overwater
Sun requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 10-15’ h x 10-15’ spread
Tolerances: drought, no significant pest problems, deer, resistant to oak root fungus
Fans of colorful seasonal foliage rejoice for ‘Grace’ smoke tree (Cotinus ‘Grace’). Plant this flamboyant hybrid and there won't be an inactive moment in your garden from spring through fall. Like all species in the Cotinus genus, ‘Grace’ offers a bold burst of rich foliage and flower color, spreading foliage and low-maintenance charm.
A cross between the European smoke bush (C. coggygria) and the American smoke tree (C. obovatus), 'Grace' is really a perfect plant for designers looking to add some visual diversity into their designs while maintaining a subtlety. “I love the seasonal color changes,” says designer Lisa Port. “It can be a large shrub, but then cut down to 2’ tall each year and ‘recharged’ into a nice bushy shrub in one season.”