Golden Spirit Smokebush
Golden Spirit Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria 'Ancot')
Golden Spirit Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria 'Ancot') is a luminous deciduous shrub prized for its vibrant chartreuse to golden-yellow foliage and airy, smoke-like flower clusters. Offering months of color without flowers, this cultivar is especially valued for brightening mixed borders, foundation plantings, and modern garden designs.
Distinctive Features
'Ancot', sold under the trade name Golden Spirit, is noted for its foliage, which emerges vivid lime green in spring, shifts to golden yellow in summer, and deepens into rich orange and red tones in fall. Though it rarely flowers as prolifically as some other cultivars, it occasionally produces wispy pink panicles in early summer. It typically grows 6 to 8 feet tall and wide with a bushy, rounded form.
Growing Conditions
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade (best color in full sun)
- Soil: Well-drained soil; adaptable to a range of conditions
- Water: Moderate; becomes drought tolerant once established
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4�9
Ideal Uses
- Focal Point: Bright foliage color draws attention year-round
- Mixed Borders: Adds contrast to dark greens and purples
- Foundation Planting: Softens building lines with golden tones
- Modern Landscapes: Clean shape and color suit contemporary settings
- Low Hedges or Screens: Dense form works well when grouped
Low Maintenance Care
- Watering: Water deeply during establishment; drought tolerant once mature
- Pruning: Prune in early spring to maintain shape or rejuvenate older plants
- Fertilizing: Avoid over-fertilizing to maintain rich foliage color
- Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Protection: Ensure adequate sun for best foliage performance
Why Choose Golden Spirit Smokebush?
- Unique Foliage Color: Brilliant yellow tones stand out across the seasons
- Compact Size: Fits well in smaller gardens and urban yards
- Seasonal Interest: Multi-color foliage display from spring to fall
- Drought Tolerant: Reliable and resilient once established
- Focal Point: Striking presence that brings brightness to any planting design
Cotinus coggygria 'Ancot' provides vibrant color and soft structure all season long, making it an ideal focal point or contrast plant in sunny garden compositions.
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