Cotinus ('Londus'^PBR) DUSKY MAIDEN smoke bush

DUSKY MAIDEN is a new smoke bush introduction from England by Peter Moore. It was invented in 1998 as an interspecific cross between Cotinus szechuanensis (male parent) and Cotinus coggygria ‘Velvet Cloak’ (female parent). After almost a decade of testing it was applied for a patent that was granted in the US in 2008 as PP20358, and in Europe under EU 26492.

DUSKY MAIDEN smoke bush has oval to rounded leaves that are smaller compared with the cotinus coggygria species, slightly undulated at margins, and rich burgundy red if exposed to full sun. They are deciduous, turning golden yellow, orange and scarlet red in autumn. In early summer it makes large filamentous panicles of tiny flowers with long, burgundy to pink hairs which create an amazing fluffy appearance for 1-2 months. The plant looks as if covered in a cloud of coloured smoke, hence its name smoke tree.

It grows slowly or moderately into a compact, well-branching shrub that is tolerant of wide range of soils but thrives in well-drained, reasonably fertile, moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Autumn foliage colour is richer in acid soils. Its hardiness has been tested down to -24°C so far (USDA zone 6), and the plant is expected to take stronger frost.

Last update 03-03-2014