🌿 Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’ Smokebush – Smoke and Velvet in Deep Bloom
Velvet foliage. Smoky veil. The drama of summer light.
Dusky, dramatic, and unmistakably bold — Royal Purple Smokebush brings depth, texture, and movement to floral design. Its velvety, wine-toned foliage offers a rich counterpoint to soft petals and airy stems, anchoring arrangements with moody elegance. In early summer, it unfurls its signature “smoke” — a haze of delicate, feathery plumes that drift above the leaves like mist at dusk, adding softness and motion to structured compositions.
Whether used as a sculptural accent in a bridal bouquet, woven into a wild garden-style centerpiece, or styled as a statement branch in large-scale installations, Royal Purple evokes the romance of midsummer twilight. Its color harmonizes effortlessly with both jewel tones and pale pastels, while its texture invites the eye to linger. Smokebush doesn’t whisper—it smolders.
- 🌿 Harvest Stage: Cut when plumes are fully expanded for softness, or earlier for bold foliage impact
- 💧 Conditioning: Strip lower leaves; recut stems underwater at a sharp angle; condition in deep, cool water
- ❄️ Storage Temperature: 36–38°F (2–3°C) to preserve plume texture and leaf integrity
- 🍃 Ethylene Sensitivity: Low — not prone to premature leaf drop or fading
- 📦 Packaging & Transport: Bundled in 10-stem bunches; wrap loosely to prevent bruising of plumes and foliage
- 🛒 Purchasing Hints: Choose stems with saturated purple foliage and fully formed plumes; avoid wilted or crushed tips
- 📏 Bundle Size & Pricing: 7 – 10 stem bunches; pricing varies by season and plume development
- 🌍 Native Status: Native to southern Europe and parts of Asia; thrives in Mediterranean-like climates
- 🐝 Pollinator Value: Low — grown primarily for ornamental foliage and texture
✂️For Floral Designers
- Benefits
- Bold Color Anchor: Deep, velvety foliage adds drama and contrast to soft or structured designs
- Textural Play: Feathery “smoke” plumes soften the silhouette and add movement
- Palette Harmony: Pairs beautifully with blush peonies, creamy hydrangeas, and moody foliage from Heuchera and Weigela
- Seasonal Richness: Evokes midsummer twilight and garden abundance
- Design Ideas
- Romantic Garden: Pair with Paeonia ‘Duchesse de Nemours’, Hydrangea ‘Blushing Bride’, and Astilbe ‘Satin Pearls’ for soft, layered elegance
- Moody Luxe: Combine with Heuchera ‘Glazed and Confused’, Weigela ‘Wine & Roses®’, and Hydrangea ‘Incrediball® Blush’ for rich contrast
- Wild Meadow: Blend with Gypsophila ‘Bristol Fairy’, Papaver ‘Hummingbird’, and Rudbeckia ‘Irish Eyes’ for a loose, natural feel
- Herbal Accent: Tuck in Rosemary and Pycnanthemum muticum for structure and scent
🎉For Event Planners
- Benefits
- High-Impact Foliage: Striking even without blooms—ideal for large-scale installations
- Seasonal Signature: Conveys midsummer sophistication and depth
- Photogenic Texture: “Smoke” plumes add softness and dimension to visual storytelling
- Styling Versatility: Works across romantic, rustic, and editorial themes
- Design Ideas
- Statement Entry: Use with Popcorn Viburnum and Spiraea prunifolia in tall urns for dramatic entrances
- Tablescape Accent: Layer with Astilbe ‘Mojito’, Gypsophila ‘Bristol Fairy’, and Mountain Mint for texture and fragrance
- Backdrop Element: Frame ceremony spaces with Hydrangea ‘Incrediball®’ and Weigela ‘Wine & Roses®’ for fullness and color
- Sensory Styling: Add Rosemary and Pycnanthemum muticum to place settings or cocktail stations for a fragrant touch
Quick Specs
- 📅 Season: Early summer into fall
- 🌿 Vase Life: 7–10 days (foliage often lasts longer)
- 📏 Stem Length: 12–36″
- 🌸 Fragrance: Mild, woody‑sweet
Ordering
📦 Availability: Late summer into early fall 📦 Quantities: 7 – 10 stems per bunch
Pairs Well With
Marketing Angle for Designers
🌸 Romantic Elegance
“Deep, velvety‑purple leaves and airy, smoke‑like plumes give Royal Purple a moody, romantic backdrop that makes soft pastels glow. Its rich color adds depth and drama to bouquets, while the feathery blooms bring a sense of movement. Perfect for clients who want their flowers to feel lush, layered, and unforgettable.”
💎 Modern‑Luxury Statement
“With its saturated, wine‑toned foliage and ethereal ‘smoke’ effect, Royal Purple is a designer’s dream for creating high‑impact contrast. The bold color reads as intentional and elevated, framing focal blooms like a work of art. Ideal for clients seeking a polished, editorial look that photographs flawlessly.”
🌿 Rustic‑Garden Charm
“Fresh from the summer hedgerow, Royal Purple brings a natural abundance and a touch of mystery to your designs. Its dusky leaves and airy plumes pair beautifully with seasonal perennials, adding texture and a story of the garden in full bloom — perfect for couples who want their flowers to feel authentic and full of life.”
Dusky foliage. Smoky texture. A midsummer mood.
Velvety maroon-to-purple leaves and airy, wine-red plumes make Royal Purple Smokebush a standout foliage element in floral design. Its dramatic color anchors arrangements with depth, while the feathery “smoke” adds softness and movement. The foliage holds its rich hue through summer and transitions to scarlet in fall, offering seasonal versatility.