Have you ever seen a smoke tree (European, Cotinus coggygria or American, Cotinus obovatus)? Growing smoke trees is something people do to make great looking shrub borders or even just a pretty patio or accent tree in a front yard garden. When in full bloom, they have gorgeous reddish brown or dark mauve feathery flowers that make the tree look like a puff of smoke. Planting smoke trees is easy enough. These trees make a great landscaping addition to most front yards. A lot of people prefer to use them as accent trees similar to the Japanese maple. When the smoke tree blooms, it makes a great accent. Planting smoke trees throughout the border of your yard is another excellent idea for a pretty border that separates your yard from your neighbor's that both you and your neighbor will enjoy.
Tips for Growing Smoke Trees
If you are planting smoke trees in your yard, you will want to know how to grow a smoke tree. This is simple enough. Purchase a good tree from your local garden center. They grow well in a high pH soil and should be located where they can get full sun or partial shade, however, they do prefer full sun and will bloom at their best in full sun. When the smoke tree blooms it is a beautiful tree. The puff of smoke that is the flowers will last most of the summer before it starts to fall off and fade for fall foliage. Again, the smoke tree blooms are like feathery, fuzzy flowers and look like a beautiful cloud of smoke. Growing smoke trees is easy but you should be careful not to damage the bark. The bark is thin and easily damaged. Therefore, be careful not to hit it with a lawnmower or other gardening equipment while gardening. Weed whackers can also do harm, so again, use caution.
Pruning a Smoke Tree
The plant will also droop as it gets larger, so pruning your growing smoke trees is very important. Wait until late fall or early spring to do so after the tree is done blooming. You don't want to stop the tree from blooming as the smoke tree blooms are the best part of the tree. Pruning your smoke tree will make sure it grows up strong. Further, keeping the soil alkaline should help your tree be healthy as well. You can get food for the tree or treatments for the soil if you feel you need them from your local garden center.
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Elegant Exotics: 8 Beautiful Amaryllis Varieties That Will Brighten Any Holiday DisplayWhether red, pink, white or variegated, the right amaryllis varieties can enhance any living space, especially during the holidays. We round up eight of the most exquisite
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Smoke Tree Verticillium Wilt – Managing Smoke Trees With Verticillium WiltIf you see your smoke tree wilting, it may be a serious fungal disease called verticillium wilt. This can kill a smoke tree, so it’s best to take precautions early. Learn how to avoid verticillium wilt in smoke trees by clicking this article.
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Smoke Tree Propagation Methods – How to Propagate A Smoke TreeNative to the United States, the smoke tree can grow to 30 feet (9 m.) but often remains half that size. How to propagate a smoke tree? If you are interested in propagating smoke trees, read on for tips on smoke tree reproduction from seeds and cuttings. Learn more here.
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Smoke Tree In Pots: Tips For Growing Smoke Trees In ContainersCan you grow smoke tree in a container? You can grow smoke tree in a container if your climate isn?t too cold - or too hot. Read this article for more information about growing smoke tree in pots and find out if it?s possible for you.
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Trimming Smoke Trees - How And When To Prune A Smoke TreePuffy smoke trees tend to have a rangy, splayed growth habit. Pruning smoke trees annually will help make the plant more compact and strengthen the limbs.
