|
Wed, Jun 6, 12 at 22:49
| I want to plant a Smoke Bush but can not decide between RP or VC. I'm thinking I might try both. I have 2 spots ready: one as a speciman and one in a mixed border. Out of the two which would make a better speciman shrub and which would be better in a shrub border? What are the difference between the two varieties. Does anyone prefer one to the other? Does one need more sunlight than the other? Even though they are full sun plants, can one make due with part sun. The speciman position would be in one of the few full sun spots I have in my yard and the border position is part sun. Will this matter much? I've ruled out Grace (although the color is devine) bc she becomes too tree-like. I'm looking more for shrubs right now. Can anyone give me their opinions on the different varieties? I've spent hours googling but Im still unsure.
Also, I'm planting a Golden Spirit. Is this one ok in full sun? The spot I have would be near my sedum garden that has leaner soil (deliberately so I can amend and add more OM if needed). Will this be ok? Thanks in advance. I always like to read real gardeners opinions before I plant. I live in CT-zone 6-on the line between A&B. |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
- Posted by gardengal48 PNW zone 8 (My Page) on Thu, Jun 7, 12 at 16:41
| Other than some rather subtle distinctions in foliage color, there is really no difference between the two cultivars. RP is considered the darkest and mature full season foliage will sport a slighter lighter wine red border. Both can grow to the same size - around 15' or so - and either could make a fine specimen. Sun to part shade is fine for any variety of smokebush. IME, Golden Spirit is fine in full sun if given plenty of water but then PNW full sun is not as strong as most other places in the US. Some shade in the hotter part of the afternoon may be appropriate to eliminate any chance of scorched or sunburnt foliage. |
|
- Posted by GreenHavenGarden none (My Page) on Thu, Jun 7, 12 at 19:52
| Thank you so much for answering my questions :) |
|
- Posted by formandfoliage 9b (Sunset zone 15) (My Page) on Thu, Jun 7, 12 at 23:11
| Here in CA zone 9b 'Ancot' (Golden Spirit) needs some shade, if that is any help. Also, I've been battling with 'Grace' due to her tendency not to be 'tree like' but to put on 12-15' of growth a year,curling back on itself. She has done this whether I have coppiced (cut to the ground) in winter or leave alone. Someone on this forum suggested that I wait until she leafs out to cut back, and I tried that this year and am keeping my fingers crossed but that might be doing the trick. Also, have had a 'Pink Champagne' in the ground for a couple of years and it is lovely; green/semi-glaucous foliage, soft pink 'smoke'. You might look that one up as well. I use Cotinus both as focal specimens and as part of shrub borders. They are great plants and the fall color is a big part of it. If you want a small one, try 'Young Lady'. Have fun! |
|
- Posted by GreenHavenGarden none (My Page) on Fri, Jun 8, 12 at 21:59
| Thank you F&F. I have read about 'Pink Champagne' but I haven't seen them in any of the nurseries around here yet. It looks very pretty. I'll keep my eye out for it. The 'Young Lady' looks great too although I was a little discouraged bc a local nursery has a bunch of these available (the only place i have seen them) but for some reason they weren't looking all that great. Its probably the nurseries fault/improper care but I want to see a healthier looking Young Lady before I decide to add it to my yard. It's funny bc as beautiful as these shrubs are, I don't see them in yards around here. Yesterday I was driving by a marina and happened upon a purple variety and insisted my husband turn around and pull over so I can get out and take a closer look. It was beautiful. With or without the smoke they are gorgeous. Thanks for the response again :) |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Shrubs Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.