Cotinus coggygria 'Jm 51' LILLA^®

LILLA^® is a dwarf smoke tree variety first introduced at the Plantarium exhibition in Holland in 2011 where it received bronze medal. It is a seedling selection of Royal Purple variety discovered by Hungarian breeder Dr. Jósza Miklós. It is protected by European Plant Breeders’ Right grant No. EU 34133 from 2013.

LILLA^® smoke tree exhibits slow and compact growth compared to all other known purple-leaved varieties. It has deciduous, deep maroon, rounded leaves that turn scarlet red, orange, and golden in autumn (the more acidic your soil is the more vibrant colours you get).

In early summer older plants make large filamentous panicles of tiny flowers with long, burgundy to pink hairs which create an amazing fluffy appearance for 1-2 months. The plant looks as if covered in a cloud of coloured smoke hence its name smoke tree.

LILLA^® smoke tree grows slowly and is tolerant of a wide range of soils but thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile, moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Though, it withstands dry summer spells better than many other varieties including its parent Royal Purple. It is fully hardy to -34 °C (USDA zone 4) and is suitable for outdoor pots.

Last update 02-06-2013; 01-09-2023