'Young Lady' smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria) - purple-foliaged shrub - 12 cm pot - Height 35 cm

Yes, the 'Young Lady' smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria) is a perfectly hardy shrub that easily withstands French winters across almost the entire country. It can withstand temperatures dropping between -15°C and -20°C, depending on the source, making it a reliable choice even in continental regions or at moderate altitudes. The stems may suffer from severe late frosts, but the shrub always regrows vigorously from the base in spring. In a pot, take care to insulate the container against deep frost, as the roots are more exposed than in the ground.

The 'Young Lady' smoke tree is a compact to medium-sized shrub compared to typical species in the Cotinus coggygria genus. At maturity, it generally reaches a height of 1.5 to 2 meters with a similar spread, making it an ideal candidate for small gardens or large terraces. Its growth is considered moderate: allow a few years before it reaches its final size, which makes it easy to manage. Its naturally rounded and dense silhouette requires little maintenance to remain harmonious.

The best time to plant the 'Young Lady' smoke tree in the ground is in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), outside of periods of frost and intense heat. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and incorporate some compost or all-purpose potting mix to promote establishment. The Cotinus coggygria adapts to almost any soil as long as it is well-drained: absolutely avoid heavy clay soils that become waterlogged in winter.

T'he smoke tree 'Young Lady' blooms from July to September, offering a long period of 'decorative interest in the middle of the 'summer. Its inflorescences appear as large, light, and feathery panicles in a 'delicate soft pink, evoking a cloud of pink smoke suspended above the green foliage. It 'is precisely this "smoke" or "smoke tree" effect that gives the plant its common name and sets it apart in the garden. After flowering, the panicles gradually dry and persist for several weeks, maintaining visual interest until 'autumn.

Yes, the 'Young Lady 'Yucca' is perfectly suited to growing in a pot or container on a sunny terrace or balcony. Choose a large container d'at least 30 to 40 litres, with drainage holes at the base, filled w'ith a mixture of potting soil and sand or gravel to ensure good drainage. In a pot, it 'should be watered more regularly than 'when planted in the ground, especially during hot summers. Applying a 'slow-release fertiliser in spring helps maintain the vigour of the 'shrub and promote beautiful flowering.

T'he smoke bush 'Young Lady' lends itself to many combinations thanks to its bright green foliage and airy pink panicles. In a mass planting, it forms a spectacular duo with ornamental grasses (Stipa, Miscanthus) that complement its light, airy appearance. Lavender and blue salvias create a striking color contrast with the pink inflorescences, while sharing the same requirements for full sun and well-drained soil. For added volume and texture, pair it with single-flowered shrub roses or agapanthus.

The 'Young Lady' smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria) requires very little maintenance, making it an ideal shrub for low-maintenance gardens. In spring, lightly prune if necessary to balance its shape and apply granular organic fertilizer to promote growth and forthcoming blooms. In summer, monitor watering, especially during heatwaves and if grown in a pot, but once established, the shrub requires no daily care when planted in the ground.