Cotinus obovatus

A spectacular rare shrub or very small tree native to North America with great autumn colour, Cotinus obovatus has outstanding foliage, with very large (up to 10 cm), oval leaves which are bright green in spring/summer.

In the autumn these leaves turn stunning shades of red, orange and purple and the bright colours can last for several weeks in good weather. In late spring, once established, fuzzy panicles of flowers appear, giving this plant an attractive, somewhat smoky appearance.

• Position: Full sun.
• Soil: Most well drained soils.
• Hardiness: Hardy.
• Flowering Period: April - May.
• Flower Colour: Pale pink
• Rate of Growth: Slow.
• Habit: Large shrub or eventually a small branching tree with a rounded crown if left unpruned.
  • Height: up to 6 m (20 ft).
  • Spread: 4 m (13 ft).
• Notes: In smaller gardens, Cotinus obovatus can be pruned back hard on a yearly basis to encourage branching and prevent it getting to large. This plant is also known as Cotinus americanus.