Grace Smoke Tree
Best low-maintenance specimen for gardeners seeking vibrant, multi-season foliage color.
The Grace Smoke Tree offers exceptional multi-season interest through its big, feathery plumes, artful branching structure, and large, rounded leaves. Young foliage emerges in a vibrant wine red, deepening in color as it matures, and provides brilliant orange-red tones in the fall. This deciduous tree is remarkably adaptable, performing well even in rocky, infertile soils. It requires full sun to partial sun exposure and low water once established. Pruning heavily every few years encourages new growth, resulting in larger and more colorful leaves, making it a stunning specimen or hedge.
$16.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
7
/ 1209
#7 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
-84%
Below average
Brand
Monrovia Growers
/ Monrovia Growers
Who it's for
- Busy homeowners needing low-maintenance, fast-growing landscape specimens
- Gardeners seeking high-impact foliage color throughout the seasons
- Landscapers wanting unique, ethereal textures in summer garden beds
Who should skip it
- Gardeners in regions prone to soil-borne fungal pathogens
- Urban gardeners with limited space for large-scale trees
- Designers prioritizing consistent floral displays over foliage control
Performance breakdown
Seasonal Visual Impact
Multi-season interest provides consistent color shifts from spring through autumn.
Soil Adaptability
Thrives in challenging, rocky, or infertile ground where others struggle.
Maintenance Effort
Periodic heavy pruning is required to maintain optimal foliage size.
Drought Tolerance
Requires minimal supplemental water once the root system is established.
Growth Versatility
Functions effectively as a standalone specimen or a structured hedge.
Hardiness Range
Reliable performance across a broad spectrum of temperate climate zones.
Key Specs
Brand
Monrovia Growers
Family Name
Anacardiaceae
Genus Name
Cotinus
Mature Height
15 ft
Mature Width
15 ft
Hardiness Zone
04
Light Needs
Full sun, Partial sun
Water Needs
Low
Features
- Offers multi-season interest with feathery plumes and artful branches
- Foliage transitions from vibrant wine red to deep tones
- Brilliant orange-red fall color display
- Performs well in rocky and infertile soils
- Requires heavy pruning every few years for best leaf display
- Adaptable to full sun or partial sun conditions
What customers say
Consumers are overwhelmingly positive about the Grace Smoke Tree, consistently highlighting its exceptional quality and stunning aesthetic design. Reviewers frequently note that the plants arrive robust and healthy, reflecting Monrovia's premium stock. The deep purple foliage and signature smoky pink plumes deliver dramatic, reliable color throughout the season, providing significant landscape impact. This unique visual appeal combined with proven hardiness makes it a highly valued ornamental investment.
Know before you buy
The Grace Smoke Tree reaches a mature height and width of approximately 15 feet. Ensure you provide enough space in your landscape to accommodate this spread.
It is remarkably adaptable and performs well in various soil types, including rocky or infertile ground. As long as the site has good drainage, it should establish itself successfully.
Heavy pruning every few years encourages vigorous new growth. This process results in larger, more vibrant leaves and maintains the tree's artful branching structure.
This tree performs best in full sun to partial sun conditions. Providing adequate light is essential for maintaining the deep, vibrant wine-red color of the foliage.
Yes, once established, the Grace Smoke Tree has low water needs. It is a hardy choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance specimen.
You will see multi-season interest, starting with wine-red leaves in the spring that deepen as they mature. In the autumn, the tree provides a striking display of brilliant orange-red tones.
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$17