Growing Hydrangeas in Pots: Choosing Varieties, Planting and Care
Hydrangeas grow well in pots when the variety, container and compost are chosen with their eventual size and moisture needs in mind. Learn how to plant, water, feed and protect...
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Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’
Smoke Tree 'Royal Purple'
I hold the RHS | Award of Garden Merit
Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’ is a substantial smoke bush with rounded deep purple leaves that become redder in autumn. Large airy pink flower panicles create the familiar smoky effect in summer, giving a striking contrast with the dark foliage. It can eventually reach around 5m, so is best given room to develop as a bold specimen shrub.
✅ Deep purple foliage gives strong colour from spring onwards
✅ Airy pink summer flowers create the classic smoke effect
⚠️ Mature plants can become large, broad shrubs around 5m
Plant Details
Flowering Months
Size
- Max Height
- 4.0 m — 8.0 m
- Max Spread
- 4.0 m — 8.0 m
- Growth Habit
- Densely branched plant with compact, leafy, rounded overall shape.
Planting Position
- Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
- Full Sun Part Shade
- Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
- North South East West
- Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
- Exposed / Sheltered
- Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
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(−15 to −10 °C) Cold-hardy
Ideal Soil Conditions
- Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
- Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
- Moist but permeable / Free draining
- Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
Plant Uses & Merits
- Uses
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- Architectural
- Merits
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- Generally pest-free
- Low Maintenance
- RHS | Award Of Garden Merit
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