Cotinus x 'Grace'
Best statement tree for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, year-round landscape color.
The Cotinus x 'Grace' Smoke Tree offers striking multi-season interest with its large, rounded leaves that emerge wine red and mature to vibrant orange-red in fall. Its artful branching structure adds visual appeal year-round. This deciduous tree produces impressive, feathery plumes and is remarkably adaptable, thriving even in challenging, infertile, or rocky soils with good drainage. For optimal color and growth, heavy pruning every few years is recommended to encourage new, vibrant foliage.
$49.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
313
/ 1220
#313 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
-53%
Below average
Brand
Monrovia Growers
/ Monrovia Growers
Who it's for
- Busy homeowners needing low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plants
- Gardeners seeking high-impact, long-lasting foliage color
- Landscapers wanting unique, soft-textured summer floral interest
Who should skip it
- Designers prioritizing both intense foliage and summer blooms
- Gardeners in areas prone to soil-borne fungal diseases
- Urban gardeners with limited space or small yards
Performance breakdown
Foliage Impact
Deep wine-red leaves provide a dramatic focal point throughout the season.
Soil Adaptability
Thrives in rocky or infertile ground where other trees often struggle.
Maintenance Ease
Requires periodic heavy pruning to maintain optimal color and structural health.
Climate Versatility
Remarkably hardy, performing well even in colder zone four environments.
Visual Texture
Feathery plumes and artful branching create sophisticated, multi-layered garden interest.
Wildlife Compatibility
Low deer resistance necessitates protection in areas with high browsing pressure.
Key Specs
Brand
Monrovia Growers
Botanical Name
Cotinus x 'Grace'
Common Name
Smoke Tree
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Mature Height
15 ft
Mature Width
15 ft
Hardiness Zone
04
Light Needs
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Features
- Multi-season interest with colorful foliage
- Produces large, feathery plumes
- Adaptable to poor soil conditions
- Vibrant red and orange fall color
- Encourages new growth with pruning
- Distinctive branching structure
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly celebrate the dramatic visual impact of the Cotinus 'Grace'. Its deep purple red foliage provides exceptional color throughout the season, making it a standout specimen plant. Reviewers frequently note its vigorous growth and impressive hardiness, confirming its reliability even in challenging garden conditions. The plant establishes quickly and requires minimal fuss, delivering high aesthetic value without demanding extensive maintenance. This combination of stunning design and robust performance defines the positive sentiment.
Know before you buy
This Smoke Tree typically reaches a mature height and width of 15 feet. Ensure you provide enough space in your landscape to accommodate its full, rounded form.
It is relatively low-maintenance, though heavy pruning every few years is recommended to encourage vibrant new foliage and maintain its shape. Otherwise, it is quite adaptable and thrives in various soil conditions.
Yes, the 'Grace' Smoke Tree is remarkably adaptable and can grow in infertile or rocky soils. The most important requirement is that the soil must be well-drained to prevent root issues.
For the best foliage color and overall growth, plant this tree in a location that receives full sun to partial sun. Adequate light is essential for the leaves to develop their signature wine-red and orange-red tones.
No, the Cotinus 'Grace' has low deer resistance. If you live in an area with a high deer population, you may need to use protective measures or fencing to prevent damage.
Once established, this tree has low water needs. It is quite hardy, but you should monitor moisture levels during the first growing season to ensure it settles in properly.
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$50