The Best Smoke Bush Companion Plants

Title: The Best Smoke Bush Companion Plants

Introduction:

Smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria) is a deciduous shrub that is known for its delicate, feathery foliage and its colorful fall display. It is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of settings, from small gardens to large landscapes.

One of the best things about smoke bush is that it is easy to care for. It is drought-tolerant and relatively pest- and disease-resistant. However, smoke bush can be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid climates.

If you are considering adding smoke bush to your garden, you will need to choose the right companion plants. The right companions will help to enhance the smoke bush's beauty and will also help to protect it from pests and diseases.

Main Content:

Here are some of the best smoke bush companion plants:

• Hydrangeas: Hydrangeas are a classic companion plant for smoke bush. The two plants complement each other well in terms of color and texture. Hydrangeas come in a variety of colors, so you can choose ones that will contrast or blend with the smoke bush's foliage.
• Viburnums: Viburnums are another good choice for companion plants for smoke bush. They offer similar colors and textures to hydrangeas, and they also have the added benefit of providing winter interest.
• Ninebark: Ninebark is a hardy shrub that is known for its colorful fall foliage. It is a good choice for companion plants for smoke bush because it will help to extend the season of interest in the garden.
• Ornamental grasses: Ornamental grasses are a great way to add height and texture to a garden. They also help to create a sense of movement in the landscape. Some good choices for companion plants for smoke bush include miscanthus, fountain grass, and maiden grass.
• Spireas: Spireas are a diverse group of shrubs that offer a variety of colors, textures, and bloom times. They are a good choice for companion plants for smoke bush because they can help to fill in any gaps in the garden.
• Daylilies: Daylilies are a popular choice for summer gardens. They come in a wide variety of colors, so you can choose ones that will complement the smoke bush's foliage. Daylilies also bloom for a long period of time, which helps to extend the season of interest in the garden.
• Coneflowers: Coneflowers are another popular choice for summer gardens. They come in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, and yellow. Coneflowers also attract butterflies and other pollinators, which is an added bonus.
• Echinacea: Echinacea is a hardy perennial that is known for its medicinal properties. It also has beautiful, daisy-like flowers that come in a variety of colors. Echinacea is a good choice for companion plants for smoke bush because it will help to attract butterflies and other pollinators.
• Asters: Asters are a diverse group of flowers that bloom in the fall. They come in a wide variety of colors, so you can choose ones that will complement the smoke bush's fall foliage. Asters are a good choice for companion plants for smoke bush because they will help to extend the season of interest in the garden.

Conclusion:

Smoke bush is a versatile and beautiful plant that can be used in a variety of settings. By choosing the right companion plants, you can enhance the smoke bush's beauty and help to protect it from pests and diseases.

Visit Home Gardening for more information about which plants make good companions for smoke bushes.

FAQ of smoke bush companion plants

What are good companion plants for smoke bush?

Smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria) is a versatile shrub that can be used in a variety of settings. It is known for its delicate, feathery foliage that turns a brilliant shade of red, orange, or purple in the fall. Smoke bush can be grown as a standalone specimen, but it is also a great choice for companion planting.

Some good companion plants for smoke bush include:

• Viburnum: Viburnums are a diverse group of shrubs that offer a variety of colors, textures, and flowering times. They make excellent companions for smoke bush, as they can help to fill in the space around the shrub and provide additional interest throughout the year.
• Ninebark: Ninebark is a hardy shrub with attractive exfoliating bark. It blooms in the spring with clusters of white flowers, and its foliage turns a fiery red in the fall. Ninebark is a good choice for companion planting with smoke bush, as it can help to add structure and contrast to the landscape.
• Tickseed: Tickseed is a wildflower that is known for its daisy-like flowers. It blooms in the summer with yellow, orange, or red flowers, and its foliage turns a golden brown in the fall. Tickseed is a good choice for companion planting with smoke bush, as it can help to add a splash of color to the landscape.
• Ornamental grasses: Ornamental grasses are a great way to add height and texture to the landscape. They come in a variety of colors and shapes, and they can be used to create a variety of different effects. Ornamental grasses are a good choice for companion planting with smoke bush, as they can help to add movement and interest to the landscape.
• Spirea: Spirea is a genus of shrubs that are known for their delicate flowers. They bloom in the spring with white, pink, or red flowers, and their foliage turns a golden yellow in the fall. Spirea is a good choice for companion planting with smoke bush, as it can help to add a touch of elegance to the landscape.

What are some factors to consider when choosing companion plants for smoke bush?

When choosing companion plants for smoke bush, there are a few factors to consider:

• Sunlight: Smoke bush needs full sun to partial shade. Make sure to choose companion plants that have similar sunlight requirements.
• Soil type: Smoke bush prefers well-drained soil. Avoid planting it in heavy clay soil.
• Height: Smoke bush can grow up to 10 feet tall. Choose companion plants that are the same height or shorter.
• Color: Smoke bush has beautiful foliage that turns a variety of colors in the fall. Choose companion plants that will complement the colors of the smoke bush.
• Season of interest: Smoke bush is most attractive in the fall, but it has some ornamental value throughout the year. Choose companion plants that will provide interest in other seasons.

How to plant smoke bush companion plants:

Once you have chosen your companion plants, it is time to plant them. Here are some tips:

• Prepare the soil by removing any weeds and rocks.
• Dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the plant.
• Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
• Water the plant thoroughly.
• Mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

With proper care, smoke bush and its companion plants will thrive for many years to come.

Image of smoke bush companion plants

• Viburnum
• Ninebark
• Tickseed
• Ornamental grasses
• Spirea
• Weigela
• Black-eyed Susan
• Helenium
• Coneflower