Cotinus coggygria ‘Young Lady’

The smoketree or smokebush (Cotinus sp.) selections have always intrigued me for their foliage contributions and the amazing “haze” of maturing flowers adding a unique wispiness to the landscape. In managing collections at a local botanic garden, I’ve acquired, planted and observed myriad selections, primarily of Cotinus coggygria, and have had struggles, failures and successes. However, one selection that has never disappointed and increasingly impresses me is the harder-to-find variety ‘Young Lady’.

This noteworthy selection was introduced by Dutch breeder, Hendrik Kolster, in 1997 and features a very compact and full form with heavy flowering. It also won an Award of Garden Merit (AGM) from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in 2012. While I appreciate the many maroon and chartreuse foliage selections, this green-leaved form shouldn’t be overlooked as it has robust “flower power.” Cotinus coggygria is native from southern Europe to central China and is adaptable in a wide range of soils (including lean and dry) although overly wet or poorly drained locations should be avoided. That sharp drainage is vital and full sun is ideal. As a side note, American smoketree (Cotinus obovatus) is worth getting to know.

Many references list ‘Young Lady’ as reaching 6 feet tall and wide. My specimen reached a respectable 8 feet tall and wide and had a very lush appearance. The “smoke” from these smokebushes and smoketrees comes after the tiny yellowish flowers, held in terminal panicles, finish up and billowy hairs appear on the sterile flower stalks. These flowers arrive in June but the resulting “puffs” last well into mid-summer. Cotinus sp. bloom on second-year growth (old wood) so keep that in mind when considering pruning or rejuvenation efforts.

What makes ‘Young Lady’ unique is both heavy flowering at an early age and almost total flower coverage over the shrub. This variety features cream-tinged, pinkish “smoke” that is quite striking for many months. The ovate leaves are a clear green that do transition to variable shades of yellow, orange and gold in autumn. This species has few insect or disease problems although leaf spot, rust and verticillium wilt are not uncommon. Deer resistance is another benefit. Propagation is by semi-hardwood cuttings. This compact, prolific summer bloomer is a guaranteed conversation piece out in the landscape.