Cotinus 'Golden Spirit'
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Plant Name | Cotinus 'Golden Spirit' |
| Common Name | Golden Spirit Smoke Tree |
| Plant Type | Deciduous shrub/small tree |
| Height | 8 to 15 feet (2.4 to 4.5 meters) |
| Spread | 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters) |
| Foliage | Bright golden-yellow leaves turning orange and red in autumn |
| Flower Color | Tiny, yellow-green flowers with feathery pink-purple seed clusters |
| Bloom Time | Late spring to early summer |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil | Well-draining soil |
| Watering | Moderate, drought-tolerant once established |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Uses | Borders, specimen planting, mixed shrub borders, informal hedges |
| Notable Feature | Striking foliage color, attractive fall color, and distinctive "smoke" effect from seed clusters |
Planting Aspects
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Site Selection: Plant in full sun to partial shade in a location with well-draining soil. Cotinus 'Golden Spirit' performs best in full sun for optimal foliage color.
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Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil by adding organic matter if needed to improve fertility and drainage.
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Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the nursery container.
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Spacing: Space plants about 6 to 10 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
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Watering: Water moderately, ensuring the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the establishment period. Once established, it is drought-tolerant.
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Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
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Maintenance: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. Cotinus 'Golden Spirit' responds well to hard pruning if needed to maintain size and shape.
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Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
Cotinus 'Golden Spirit,' commonly known as Golden Spirit Smoke Tree, is a stunning deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its bright golden-yellow leaves that turn vibrant shades of orange and red in autumn. In late spring to early summer, it produces tiny yellow-green flowers that develop into feathery pink-purple seed clusters, creating a distinctive "smoke" effect. With a height of 8 to 15 feet and a spread of 6 to 10 feet, 'Golden Spirit' is well-suited for borders, specimen planting, mixed shrub borders, and informal hedges. Its striking foliage and attractive fall colour make it a standout feature in any landscape.