COTINUS C. RED SPIRIT

Cotinus coggygria ‘Red Spirit’ is a striking deciduous shrub known for its dramatic foliage colour and airy, smoke-like flower plumes. Commonly called the Smoke Bush, this variety is particularly valued for its rich red to purple leaves that bring strong contrast and seasonal interest to the garden. In a garden centre setting, ‘Red Spirit’ is an eye-catching feature shrub that appeals to customers looking for bold colour and architectural structure.

Foliage Colour, Flowers & Seasonal Interest

The main attraction of Cotinus coggygria ‘Red Spirit’ is its vibrant foliage. The rounded leaves emerge in deep red tones during spring and deepen to rich burgundy-purple through summer. In autumn, the foliage often develops fiery shades of orange, scarlet, and crimson, creating a spectacular seasonal display.

In early to mid-summer, the shrub produces airy clusters of tiny flowers that develop into soft, plume-like seed heads. These fluffy plumes resemble clouds of smoke, giving the plant its common name and adding a light, decorative texture above the foliage.

Key visual selling points:

• Rich red to burgundy foliage

• Smoky plume-like flower clusters in summer

• Brilliant autumn colour display

• Upright, open branching structure

• Strong contrast plant in borders

In a garden centre display, the dramatic foliage colour makes this plant stand out immediately among green-leaved shrubs.

Growing Conditions & Easy Care

Cotinus ‘Red Spirit’ is a hardy and adaptable shrub that grows well in a variety of garden conditions. It performs best in a sunny position, where the foliage colour will be at its most intense. It prefers well-drained soil and is relatively drought tolerant once established.

The plant is easy to maintain and can be grown either as a large shrub or lightly pruned to maintain a more compact shape.

Care and growing advice:

• Plant in full sun for best foliage colour

• Prefers well-drained soil

• Suitable for borders or specimen planting

• Water regularly during establishment

• Prune lightly in late winter or early spring if needed

Some gardeners choose to prune more heavily to encourage larger foliage and a bushier habit.

Garden Uses & Retail Appeal

From a garden centre perspective, Cotinus coggygria ‘Red Spirit’ is a valuable shrub for adding dramatic colour and structure to garden planting schemes. Its bold foliage makes it an excellent focal point in borders and mixed shrub plantings.

Popular uses and selling ideas:

• Feature shrub in mixed borders

• Colour contrast in planting schemes

• Contemporary garden designs

• Wildlife-friendly gardens

• Back-of-border structure plants

In retail displays, ‘Red Spirit’ pairs beautifully with lighter foliage plants, ornamental grasses, and flowering perennials to create strong visual contrast. Its striking foliage, unusual summer plumes, and brilliant autumn colour make Cotinus coggygria ‘Red Spirit’ a standout addition to any garden centre shrub range, offering customers year-round visual interest and garden drama.

• Size
  3 lt

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.