Flower Library
Smoke Bush
Cotinus coggygria · Sumachgewächse (Anacardiaceae)
Cotinus, the smoke bush, brings a depth to bouquets with its dark wine-red foliage and feather-light smoke plumes that hardly any other greenery achieves. We prefer to cut the branches in high summer when the foliage is richly coloured, and the quality we source at the Veiling Rhein-Maas overcomes the wilting tendency of the first days. A material for everyone who likes things atmospheric and a touch wild.
- Season
- May – June – July – August – September – October
- Vase life
- 7–12 days
- Latin name
- Cotinus coggygria
- Colors
- wine red, purple, burgundy, green, smoky pink
In floristry we roughly distinguish two forms: the leafy cut greenery with its rounded, often deep-dark leaves, and the smoky flower panicles that give the shrub its name. Popular dark-leaved cultivars are „Royal Purple“ and „Grace“ with strong wine red, while „Golden Spirit“ offers golden-yellow foliage and „Young Lady“ the most generous smoke plumes. Depending on the cutting time you get completely different material from the same shrub.
As an accent Cotinus is enormously versatile. The dark leaves contrast strikingly against pale roses, hydrangeas or dahlias and instantly give summer bouquets weight and maturity. The smoke panicles in turn loosen up arrangements and create that airy, almost misty effect that is especially valued in relaxed, natural designs and in funeral floristry.
When it comes to quality, ripeness is everything with Cotinus. Shoots cut too early stay soft and let the heads droop because the foliage has not yet hardened off. When buying we look for firm, well-coloured branches with taut leaves. This is exactly where buying directly at the auction pays off: fresh A1 stock lasts considerably longer than greenery that has passed through several intermediaries.
Stylistically Cotinus fits beautifully into autumnal and late-summer moods, in burgundy and berry tones, but also as a dark counterpart to pastels. In mixed summer bouquets, opulent table arrangements or modern, slightly wild designs it is a rewarding companion that is never intrusive yet always present.
Care
- 01Cut stems fresh at an angle and lightly crush or split woody ends so they take up water better.
- 02Remove lower foliage that would sit in the water, otherwise stems rot and the water clouds quickly.
- 03Cotinus is prone to wilting in the first hours: after cutting, give it a deep, cool drink for several hours before arranging.
- 04Keep the vase clean and change the water every two to three days, recutting the stems each time.
- 05Place it cool and out of direct sun and away from ripening fruit, which noticeably extends its life.
- 06Wear gloves when handling, as the plant sap (urushiol) can irritate sensitive skin.
Frequently asked
- How long does Cotinus last in the vase?
- Well-ripened, freshly cut Cotinus greenery lasts roughly seven to twelve days. The key factors are the ripeness at cutting and a long, cool pre-conditioning soak. Soft shoots cut too early, on the other hand, quickly let their heads droop.
- Is the smoke bush toxic to pets?
- Cotinus is not considered classically toxic and is not on the ASPCA toxic list, but it is inedible. The sap contains urushiol and can cause mild irritation on sensitive skin or if eaten. We therefore recommend keeping dogs, cats and children from chewing on or rubbing against it.
- When is Cotinus in season as cut greenery?
- As cut material Cotinus is in season from roughly May to October. In high summer the foliage is most strongly coloured and well hardened, and the typical smoke panicles appear from early summer. In late summer and autumn the intense colouring comes into its own particularly beautifully.
- What does Cotinus combine well with?
- The dark foliage forms a wonderful contrast to pale roses, hydrangeas and dahlias and fits ideally into burgundy and berry tones. The airy smoke panicles in turn loosen up bouquets and arrangements and create a natural, slightly wild look.