Additionally, late pruning stresses plants as they should be putting energy into their roots.
Prune a smoke bush back to stands 12 to18 inches above ground for subsequent years. Alternatively, prune to thin it, removing up to one-third of the oldest, misshapen and unproductive stems.
Also, thin out crowded areas, especially in the center of the shrub, and shape as bushlopping.clubg: Colonial Beach. Cotinus coggygria is slightly different with maroon-purple leaves which change to purple-red in autumn. It will produce the best leaf colour in full sun. The feathery flower plumes are pink in colour.
Happy Easter.
Pruning. 1. How and when to prune Cotinus (smoke bush). If you want lots of plumes of smoky flowers, then little pruning is bushlopping.clubg: Colonial Beach.