Cotinus × ‘Grace’ – A Bold and Beautiful Smoke Bush
Cotinus × ‘Grace’ is a stunning deciduous shrub or small tree known for its dramatic foliage, rich colouring, and airy, smoke-like flower plumes. A hybrid between Cotinus coggygria and Cotinus obovatus, ‘Grace’ combines the best traits of both parents—vigorous growth, large leaves, and exceptional autumn colour. Its deep wine-red to plum-purple leaves emerge in spring, intensify through summer, and turn vibrant shades of orange, scarlet, and gold in autumn, making it a true four-season focal point.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
Spring:
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In spring, large, oval-shaped leaves emerge in rich shades of red and purple, creating an immediate impact.
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Young foliage is soft and slightly translucent, catching the light beautifully and offering early-season drama.
Summer:
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In early to midsummer, airy panicles of tiny flowers appear, giving rise to the characteristic “smoky” effect—cloud-like, dusky pink plumes that hover above the foliage.
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The leaves deepen to rich burgundy and purple tones, maintaining their presence in mixed borders or as a backdrop to summer perennials.
Autumn:
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One of the finest features of ‘Grace’ is its autumn show—foliage turns fiery shades of orange, scarlet, and amber, often on the same plant.
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The vibrant colour shift adds a spectacular finale to the growing season.
Winter:
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After leaf fall, the plant’s open, branching framework provides structural interest, particularly when backlit by low winter sun or outlined by frost.
Structure & Form
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Height & Spread: Typically grows to 3–5 metres in height and spread, forming a broad, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree.
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Form: Naturally rounded and open in habit, with gracefully arching branches and large, dramatic foliage.
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Growth Habit: Fast-growing and vigorous, especially when coppiced or pollarded annually to enhance foliage size and colour.
Perfect for Various Landscapes
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Focal Point Planting: A superb specimen plant for lawn settings, island beds, or as a statement in large borders.
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Mixed Borders: Adds rich colour and texture contrast to herbaceous and shrub plantings.
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Contemporary Gardens: Works well in modern planting designs, especially when paired with ornamental grasses and bold perennials.
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Naturalistic & Prairie Plantings: Blends beautifully into looser, informal plantings where its airy form softens bolder companions.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Best in full sun for richest foliage colour and best flower display. Tolerates light shade but colours may be softer.
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Soil: Prefers well-drained soil; adaptable to most types, including chalky, sandy, or clay soils. Avoid waterlogged ground.
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Maintenance: Low maintenance. Can be left to develop as a large shrub, or coppiced in early spring to encourage vigorous new growth with especially large leaves and bold colour. Pruning back hard will reduce flower production but enhance foliage impact.
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Hardiness: Fully hardy (RHS H5). Tough and resilient once established.
Why Choose Cotinus × ‘Grace’?
Cotinus ‘Grace’ is a bold and breathtaking addition to any garden. With its rich, wine-coloured foliage, distinctive smoke-like blooms, and fiery autumn display, it offers long-lasting seasonal interest and structural elegance. Whether used as a specimen or integrated into larger planting schemes, ‘Grace’ brings drama, texture, and unrivalled colour transitions from spring to autumn.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Grasses: Pair with ornamental grasses like Miscanthus, Calamagrostis, or Panicum for soft movement and contrast with Cotinus’s bold form.
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Perennials: Combine with Echinacea, Persicaria, or Rudbeckia for rich colour pairings and late-season drama.
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Shrubs: Plant alongside contrasting foliage shrubs such as Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diabolo’, Cornus alba, or Hydrangea paniculata.
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Spring Bulbs & Groundcovers: Underplant with Alliums, Geraniums, or Euphorbia for added layers of texture and seasonal variation.
Cotinus × ‘Grace’ is more than just a foliage plant—it’s a dynamic presence in the landscape. With its year-round beauty and adaptable growth, it remains a favourite among designers and gardeners looking to make a statement with colour and form.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
