Having lived in Germany for over ten years there are several trees and shrubs I was exposed to that really stood out. Some, like oak trees and maples and spruces grow well in the both Germany and the United States and I really enjoyed the old trees I found in the parks over there. But no other tree that grows in both Germany and the United States stood out as much as the smoke tree (Cotinus species). We lived in the state of Bavaria in a city called Heuchelhof; which was basically a suburb of Wurzburg. All of our business with the Army was mainly done in Wurzburg. Driving near the post one day I spotted a huge purple smoke tree that was in full bloom. Ever since that day I had hoped to have one as lovely in my own garden.
After ten years of growing a 'Royal Purple' cotinus I think I finally have my smoke tree! Mine is not a single stem like the one I saw growing in Wurzburg but it has just as much smoke and sure brings back memories for me. Can you see how the smoke tree gets its name? The blooms look like little puffs of smoke on the tree.
My tree is growing under a couple of oak trees but does get some sun. Smoke trees would like lots of sun. Smoke trees are very drought tolerant and I know why. When I moved this tree to this spot from the front yard in 2003 I could not believe how tough it was to dig up all of the long roots on this shrub. At the time the shrub had been planted there maybe one year but the roots were a good six feet long. I had my doubts that the smoke tree would survive the move but survive it did....
in the garden....
Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden
I love smoke trees! It was one of the first things that I planted here in the deer resistant garden (because it's supposed to be resistant). Well, the rascals ate it every year and so it couldn't grow out of their reach. I finally threw in the gloves and shovel pruned it out. I was so disappointed.
ReplyDeleteIt is really an interesting tree.
ReplyDeleteThank you for giving me advise regarding stolen post.
Great post. Our gardens are much more personal than any outside viewer could ever imagine.
ReplyDeleteIt looks gorgeous Tina ~ I would say you have your smoke tree! I've admired them for a while but haven't found a spot yet.
ReplyDeleteI do like your smoke tree. I have seen them before & admired them. Sure wish I had the room for one in my garden.
ReplyDeleteI lived in Germany for 6 years and do not recall the Smokebush! I wonder why as I always admire natures bounty around me. Hum, Probably so darn much to see while on those Volksmarches, strolling a town, in the Gartenplatz, etc. Pretty blooming bush and I see why the name for sure. I did not realize you were in Germany for over 10 years.
ReplyDeleteIt is so beautiful!! I have never seen one before.
ReplyDeleteIt not only survived, it looks very happy.
ReplyDeleteIt looks great. What a nice "treat" under the big trees.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful tree Tina. Great Memories :)
ReplyDeleteI always find smoke trees so unusual and interesting
ReplyDeleteI can attest to their drought tolerance, my 'Royal Purple' has never flagged once in a dry summer. I heard once that they should be cut back annually to encourage lots of new growth and to keep the color rich. This works for me, but I have never heard anyone else say you should do this, have you?
ReplyDeleteLes, I do cut my smoke tree to train it the way I want it to grow. The bonus is more branching and puffs. A friend came over the other day and noted mine and commented she plans to cut hers down too so she can enjoy more color where the tree is not so large. I think 'Royal Purple' is one of the best cultivars for keeping its color. I think it is a personal choice but I am pretty sure you can cut a smoke tree to the ground and it will come back.
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