Cotinus Dusky Maiden

Unfortunately named, but a brilliant foliage plant, Cotinus coggygria Dusky Maiden is a medium-sized, rather slow-growing, deciduous shrub, with a rounded, bushy habit and deep pink young stems. The almost circular leaves are deep blue-green, strongly flushed with purple, and turn brilliant shades of red and orange in autumn – the leafy stems are very popular with flower-arrangers. In summer, this plant carries misty sprays of pink flowers, followed by smoky grey seedheads, but be aware that this cultivar is rather reluctant to flower. Cotinus Dusky Maiden can be pruned hard every few years, and this will make the beautiful leaves larger.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any moist but well-drained soil
Position: Leaf colour best in full sun
Season of interest: Spring, summer, autumn
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 8’ (2.5m) Spread: 8’ (2.5m) in 10-20 years

Photo by 

Marthe Lelièvre

CC BY-SA 2.0