Winecraft Black Smoke Bush

Cotinus coggygria ‘Winecraft Black’

(Winecraft Black® Smokebush)

Winecraft Black® Smokebush is a compact, cold-hardy shrub known for its rich, dark foliage and dramatic summer “smoke” plumes. Emerging a vibrant reddish-purple in spring, the leaves deepen to near-black through summer before turning brilliant oranges and reds in fall. Smaller and tidier than older varieties, it’s ideal for prairie gardens, adding year-round texture and color to mixed borders, foundation plantings, or modern landscape designs.

Planting & Location

Hardiness Zone: 3–8 (extremely hardy and well-suited to prairie climates)
Mature Size: 4–6 ft tall × 4–6 ft wide
Growth Rate: Moderate (12–18 inches per year)
Sunlight Needs: Full sun (6+ hours of direct light for best color)
Soil Preference:

• Prefers well-drained loam or sandy soil

• Tolerates average, slightly alkaline prairie soils

• Avoid consistently wet or compacted sites
  Spacing: 4–6 ft apart for individual shrubs or small groupings

Watering

Young Plants (First Year):
Water deeply 2–3 times weekly until established.

Established Shrubs:
Very drought-tolerant once rooted in. Water during extended dry spells to maintain vibrant foliage color.

Avoid Overwatering:
Smokebush prefers drier conditions and does not tolerate standing water.

Fertilizing

First Year:
No fertilizer necessary while roots establish.

Mature Shrubs:
Apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or a top dressing of compost in early spring.
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers—they may reduce color intensity and create lanky growth.

Pruning & Maintenance

Best Time to Prune:
Late winter to early spring before new growth emerges.

How to Prune:

• Blooms and “smoke” plumes appear on new wood.

• Remove dead or crossing branches annually to maintain shape.

• For a more compact, bushy form, lightly trim each spring.

• For large leaves and fewer flowers, cut back harder every few years to rejuvenate.

Flowers, Foliage & Seasonal Interest

Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer (June–July)
Flower Color: Airy pinkish-purple plumes that create a smoky haze effect over the foliage
Fragrance: Light, airy, pleasant scent
Foliage:

• Spring: Deep wine-red emerging leaves

• Summer: Nearly black, velvety foliage with exceptional depth of color

• Fall: Brilliant orange, red, and purple tones
  Seasonal Interest: Four-season appeal—showy flowers, striking foliage, and dramatic fall color

Pest & Disease Management

Resistant to: Drought, deer, and most insect pests

Common Pests:

• Aphids: May appear on new shoots. Solution: Rinse with water or use insecticidal soap.

• Leaf Miners: Rare but possible; prune affected leaves.

Common Diseases:

• Leaf Spot: May occur in overly wet conditions. Solution: Ensure good airflow and avoid overhead watering.

• Verticillium Wilt: Rare; prevent by avoiding poorly drained soils.

Winter Protection

• Hardy in Zone 3 with minimal protection.

• Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base (avoid covering stems).

• In very exposed sites, wrap young shrubs with breathable burlap the first winter to prevent desiccation.

• Do not prune in fall—leave branches intact to catch snow for insulation.

Landscape Uses

• Perfect for adding contrast in mixed borders or as a focal point

• Excellent for compact landscapes, cottage gardens, and modern designs

• Pairs beautifully with chartreuse, silver, or lime-green foliage plants

• Drought- and heat-tolerant once established

• Great companion to hydrangeas, ninebark, or ornamental grasses

Additional Notes

• Winecraft Black® is an improved Proven Winners® selection bred for stronger stems, smaller size, and denser branching.

• Provides consistent color without the legginess of traditional varieties.

• Lifespan: 20+ years with proper care.

• Can be trained into a small ornamental tree form if desired.

Photos courtesy of Proven Winners®