Q.: I planted a Royal Purple Smoketree in May 1998. It was about three feet tall and I was hoping it would grow to a larger tree. It has leaves on it but is not very bushy. Is there something ...

A smoke tree, a shrub with purple flowers and low water needs, is easy to grow in sunny San Luis Obispo County, California, gardens.

“The smoke tree’s purple bloom is only paralleled by the bloom of the indigo bush,” he says. “It’s deep and rich, a very royal purple.

The smoke bush has a number of fine cultivars, such as 'Royal Purple,' with maroon leaves, and 'Golden Spirit' with yellow leaves. It tolerates quite a bit of drought when established.

The ‘Royal Purple’ smoke tree is the most common variety but the lime green foliage of the ‘Golden Spirit’ smoke tree will also add a pop of color to a sunny garden bed.

Some of the trees being given away are Ponderosa Pine, Royal Purple Smoke tree, and flowering dogwood. The trees can be picked up at 2802 E Rich Ave or the Community School at 1025 W Spofford. Tags ...

This plant goes by several names, but whether you call it smoke bush, smoke tree, cotinus, or even cloud tree or wig tree, it's an easy-to-grow, wonderful addition to the garden.