Cotinus coggygria ~ Smoke Tree
Cotinus coggygria is a great addition to the gray garden. The red of the Smoke Tree foliage contrasts magnificently with Artemisia and the grey Salvia's. Cotinus coggygria is hardy to 10° or less. While plants will survive on far less, well drained but regularly moistened soil is preferred. Cotinus coggygria will look positively awful if it is not given enough water. The smoke-like pink blossoms of the Smoke Tree add a unique texture to a garden in the Spring. Cotinus coggygria is in the Sumac family. In the Fall the leaves of Cotinus coggygria turn orange.
Other trees that reliably produce Colorful Fall Foliage in our dry climate:
Ginkgo biloba
Liquidambar Burgundy
Pistacia chinense