Classic purple smoke bush with dependable garden performance
Smoke Bush ‘Purpurea’ is a classic Smoke Bush variety valued for its rich purple foliage and soft, cloud-like summer plumes. A timeless choice for Melbourne gardens, it delivers strong contrast from spring through autumn, with rounded leaves that emerge deep red-purple and mature into smoky burgundy tones. In summer, airy pinkish plumes create the signature “smoke” effect, adding texture and movement to the landscape. Hardy, drought-tolerant once established, and easy to grow, ‘Purpurea’ thrives in full sun and well-drained soils—perfect for feature planting, screening, and adding depth to modern garden designs.
Plant Details Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Cotinus coggygria ‘Purpurea’ |
| Common Name | Smoke Bush |
| Mature Height | 3 – 4m |
| Mature Width | 2 – 3m |
| Growth Habit | Upright, open, spreading |
| Foliage | Purple to burgundy |
| Flowering Season | Summer |
| Flower Feature | Smoky, airy pink plumes |
| Deciduous/Evergreen | Deciduous |
| Position | Full sun |
| Soil Type | Well-drained soils |
| Uses | Feature plant, screening, contrast planting, mass planting |
Timeless contrast plant for structured landscape design
Smoke Bush ‘Purpurea’ is the reliable workhorse of purple smoke bushes—strong colour, consistent performance, and classic form. It’s ideal for customers wanting that deep foliage contrast without going oversized, fitting comfortably into most residential landscapes. With its soft plumes and rich tones, it brings both structure and movement to a garden, all while being tough, low maintenance, and easy to grow.
