Garden Gold: Smokebush

Last year several of my customers were thrilled to find out Golden Spirit Smokebush was on order. As soon as I saw it come off the semi, I understood their enthusiasm.

The landscape customers kept carrying on when they heard the nursery I work for was planning to stock Golden Spirit Smokebush, Cotinus coggygria 'Golden Spirit' (hardy zones 5-8). At first we brought in just a handful to see if they would sell. Soon, we were out of stock and they were back on order. Most of our customers were buying them for their own gardens. Over and over I was told that I needed to plant one in my garden.

My construction zone backyard won't be ready for planting until next spring. In the meantime, the garden design for the placement of the Golden Spirit Smokebush is in the works. After guests pass under the arbor by the White Fringetree, they will go through a transition garden on the west side of the house. As they approach the entrance to the arbor leading the way to the covered dining area, the Golden Spirit will be on the right hand side by a bench. The mature size, 6-8', will help block the full view of the dining area from the front. As with other smoketrees, Golden Spirit also flowers. However, if the smoke-like summer blooms distract from the foliage, I will remove them. The brightly colored chartreuse foliage that holds up through the summer heat is what I'm wanting. Also, I love the size and texture of the leaves. This garden area will be full of other easy care plants such as Knockout Roses and ornamental grasses and conifers.

Also, I have to remember to plan for the wonderful fall color of Golden Spirit Smokebush. The Avant Gardens catalog describes the fall color as "brilliant shades of coral and orange." The late season white plumes of Yaku Jima Dwarf Maiden Grass may be a good combo.

What are your experiences with Golden Spirit? Have you found any good combos?

Tomorrow's blog features a colorful tropical plant.

Click Planting Gold in the Garden to read about other plants that brighten a garden without flowers.