Proven Winners® Winecraft Black® Smoke Bush (Cotinus coggygria)

Proven Winners® Winecraft Black® Smoke Bush (Cotinus coggygria) is a compact, ornamental shrub known for its rich, deep purple foliage and airy, smoke-like blooms that appear in early summer. This improved variety offers the dramatic colour and texture of traditional smoke bush in a smaller, more landscape-friendly size.

The foliage emerges a dark burgundy in spring, deepens to nearly black in summer, and transitions to vibrant red and orange tones in fall, providing multi-season interest. In early summer, soft, cloud-like flower plumes create the signature “smoke” effect, adding texture and movement to the garden.

Winecraft Black® is ideal as a focal point plant, accent shrub, or part of a mixed border. Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller yards, urban landscapes, and modern garden designs where space is limited but visual impact is still important.

This variety performs well in Alberta’s sunny conditions and is drought-tolerant once established, making it a strong choice for low-maintenance landscapes.