Cotinus cog. 'Royal Purple'

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Performs best in full sun, which enhances its deep purple foliage and encourages good flowering.

• Soil Preferences: Grows well in most soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils, provided they are well-drained.

• pH Range: Tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0–7.5).

• Moisture Needs: Moderately drought-tolerant once established, but benefits from occasional watering during dry periods.

• Planting Time: Plant in spring or autumn to allow root systems to settle before the extremes of summer heat or winter cold.

• Spacing: Allow 2–3 metres between plants to accommodate the mature size and spread.

• Positioning Tips: Works beautifully as a specimen shrub, focal point, or in mixed borders for dramatic foliage contrast.

• Shelter Needs: Hardy and wind-tolerant, though sheltered spots help preserve foliage colour in exposed sites.

• Container Growing: Can be grown in a large container with free-draining, high-quality compost.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Keep soil moist during the first year after planting.

  • Mature plants require little watering except in prolonged drought.

  • Avoid waterlogging to prevent root problems.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to maintain strong growth and leaf colour.

• Pruning:

  • For a compact shape, prune lightly in late winter or early spring.

  • For dramatic foliage, cut back hard to low shoots every 2–3 years (this reduces flowering but enhances new leaf colour).

  • Remove dead, damaged, or crossing stems whenever noticed.

• Mulching: Apply a 5–8 cm layer of compost or bark mulch in spring to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch away from the crown to prevent rot.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally free from serious pests or diseases, but may be susceptible to verticillium wilt—avoid planting in affected soils.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy across the UK and Ireland; no special winter protection needed.

• Weed Control: Keep the base clear of weeds and grass to avoid competition for nutrients and water.

Ornamental Features, Seasonal Interest, and Garden Uses

• Foliage: Striking deep purple leaves in spring and summer, turning rich crimson-red in autumn.

• Flowers: Produces large clouds of airy, pinkish flower plumes in summer, creating a distinctive “smoke” effect.

• Form: Upright, multi-stemmed shrub with a rounded habit.

• Growth Rate and Size: Moderate growth; reaches 3–4 metres tall and wide at maturity.

• Wildlife Benefits: Flowers attract pollinating insects, making it a valuable choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

• Ornamental Value: Offers long-lasting colour, architectural form, and summer floral display, making it a high-impact shrub for any design.

• Garden Design Uses:

  • Specimen shrub for dramatic effect in lawns or borders.

  • Mixed planting schemes to provide contrast with green or silver foliage plants.

  • Low-maintenance landscapes thanks to drought tolerance and minimal pruning needs.

• Seasonal Appeal:

  • Spring: Fresh purple foliage.

  • Summer: Smoky flower plumes.

  • Autumn: Intense red and orange foliage.

  • Winter: Attractive framework of branches.

• Longevity: A reliable, long-lived shrub that improves in character and form as it matures.

• Size
  3 Ltr pot

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)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.