The Velvet Fog Smokebush

The Velvet Fog® is a named smokebush selection with blue-green leaves and abundant red-pink summer plumes. Proven Winners describes a mature height of 5–8 ft and a 6 ft spread, part sun to sun, and USDA zones 4a–8b; the plant patent confirms the selection name ‘SMNCCPP3’. [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/cotinus/velvet-fog-smokebush-cotinus-coggygria) · [USPP 32,352](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP32352P2/en) ## Seasonal display The smoky plumes contrast with the blue-green foliage, making this shrub useful as a specimen or hedge. The breeder’s size range is about 1.5–2.4 m tall and 1.8 m wide. ## Growing conditions Plant in part sun to full sun in average garden soil and provide average water. The breeder lists USDA zones 4a–8b. Cotinus can be grown as a shrub or trained to a small tree form, where space allows. ## Maintenance Routine pruning is not needed. Because smokebush blooms on old wood, shape selectively after flowering; cutting back hard before bloom can reduce the plume display.