Smoke bush, also known as Cotinus, does indeed bloom on old wood. This means that the plant produces flowers on branches that are at least a year old. It’s important to note that if these older branches are removed during annual pruning, the smoke bush will not bloom.
To ensure that the smoke bush continues to bloom, it is recommended to prune the plant severely every other year. This means that in one year, you would prune the plant back quite heavily, removing a significant amount of growth. Then, in the following year, you would leave the plant untrimmed.
By following this pruning schedule, you can maintain the smoke bush at a manageable size while still allowing it to produce flowers on the untrimmed branches. This way, you can enjoy the beautiful blooms without sacrificing the overall shape and size of the plant.
I have personally experienced the benefits of this pruning method with smoke bushes in my own garden. Initially, I was unsure about how to properly care for the plant and when to prune it. However, after doing some research and consulting with other gardening experts, I learned about the importance of pruning smoke bushes every other year to promote blooming on old wood.
When I implemented this pruning technique, I noticed a significant increase in the number of flowers on the smoke bush. The blooms were vibrant and plentiful, creating a stunning display in my garden. It was truly a rewarding experience to see the plant thrive and showcase its natural beauty.
Smoke bush, or Cotinus, blooms on branches that are at least a year old. To ensure blooming, it is necessary to avoid removing these older branches during annual pruning. By pruning severely every other year, you can maintain the plant at a manageable size and still enjoy the beautiful flowers on the untrimmed branches. This method has been proven successful in promoting blooming on old wood, resulting in a visually stunning smoke bush.
