Smoke Tree In Pots: Tips For Growing Smoke Trees In Containers
Smoke tree (Cotinus spp.) is a unique, colorful tree-shrub named for the cloud-like appearance created by long, fuzzy, thread-like filaments that emerge on small blooms throughout the summer. Smoke tree also displays interesting bark and colorful foliage that ranges from purple to blue-green, depending on the variety. Can you grow smoke tree in a container? Smoke tree is suitable for growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8. This means you can grow smoke tree in a container if your climate isn’t too cold–or too hot. Read on for more information about growing smoke tree in pots.
How to Grow Smoke Tree in a Container
Growing smoke trees in containers isn’t difficult, but there are a few important things to keep in mind. The type and quality of the container is of primary importance because smoke tree reaches mature heights of 10 to 15 feet (3-5 m.). Don’t cut costs here; a cheap, lightweight container is likely to tip over as the tree gains height. Look for a sturdy container with at least one drainage hole. If you want to add more stability, place a thin layer of gravel in the bottom of the pot. Gravel will also prevent potting soil from clogging the drainage holes. Don’t plant a small tree in a huge pot or the roots may rot. Use an appropriately sized pot, then repot as the tree grows. A pot that is approximately as tall as it is wide will offer the roots the best protection in winter. Fill the container to within a few inches (8 cm.) of the rim with a potting mix consisting of equal parts coarse sand, commercial potting mix and good quality topsoil, or soil-based compost. Plant the tree in the pot at the same depth the tree was planted in the nursery container– or about ½ inch (1 cm.) below the top rim of the pot. You may need to adjust the soil to bring the tree to the proper level. Fill in around the roots with the soil mix and then water well.
Smoke Tree Container Care
Container grown smoke trees require water more frequently than in-ground trees, but the tree shouldn’t be overwatered. As a general rule, water only when the top inch (2.5 cm.) or so of soil feels dry, then let a hose run at the base of the plant until water runs through the drainage hole. Smoke trees tolerate light shade, but full sunlight brings out the colors in the foliage. Don’t bother fertilizing or pruning container grown smoke trees for the first two or three years. After that time, you can trim the tree to the desired shape while the tree is still dormant in late winter or early spring. Place the smoke tree in a protected area during the winter months. If necessary, wrap the pot with an insulating blanket to protect the roots during cold snaps.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
A Credentialed Garden Writer, Mary H. Dyer was with Gardening Know How in the very beginning, publishing articles as early as 2007.
-
Resilient Plants For Extreme Weather: Planting To Safeguard And Protect Against The Elements
Growing plants that can withstand bizarre weather patterns is becoming more of a worry these days. Try these resilient plants and plantings to boost levels of protection
By Susan Albert
-
8 Plants You Need To Winterize In Fall: Protect Perennials Now Or Risk Losing Them To Frost
Take action to protect these popular plant groups in the fall before temperatures plummet – and they will return healthy and strong in spring.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Smoke Tree Verticillium Wilt – Managing Smoke Trees With Verticillium Wilt
If you see your smoke tree wilting, it may be a serious fungal disease called verticillium wilt. This can kill a smoke tree, so it’s best to take precautions early. Learn how to avoid verticillium wilt in smoke trees by clicking this article.
By Teo Spengler
-
Smoke Tree Propagation Methods – How to Propagate A Smoke Tree
Native to the United States, the smoke tree can grow to 30 feet (9 m.) but often remains half that size. How to propagate a smoke tree? If you are interested in propagating smoke trees, read on for tips on smoke tree reproduction from seeds and cuttings. Learn more here.
By Teo Spengler
-
Trimming Smoke Trees - How And When To Prune A Smoke Tree
Puffy smoke trees tend to have a rangy, splayed growth habit. Pruning smoke trees annually will help make the plant more compact and strengthen the limbs.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Growing And Planting Smoke Trees In The Landscape
Growing smoke trees is something people do to make great looking shrub borders or even just as a pretty patio or accent tree in a front yard garden. Planting smoke trees is easy enough, and this article will help.
By Kathee Mierzejewski