Troubleshooting
Cotinus coggygria 'Golden Spirit' problems — and how to fix them
Cotinus coggygria 'Golden Spirit' (Cotinus coggygria 'Ancot' (Golden Spirit)) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Leaf scorch
Brown, crispy leaf margins from intense midday sun or drought. Give some afternoon shade in hot regions and keep the roots cool with mulch and adequate moisture.
Green reversion in shade
Too little light turns the gold to plain lime-green. Site in good light to maintain the colour.
Verticillium wilt
Susceptible to this soil-borne fungus causing branch dieback. Remove affected wood promptly and avoid replanting smoke bush on infected ground.
Powdery mildew
White film on foliage in still, humid air. Improve airflow and water at the base rather than overhead.
Prevent cotinus coggygria 'golden spirit' problems before they start
Most cotinus coggygria 'golden spirit' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Cotinus coggygria 'Golden Spirit' watering schedule
- Cotinus coggygria 'Golden Spirit' light requirements
- Best soil mix for cotinus coggygria 'golden spirit'
- Cotinus coggygria 'Golden Spirit' temperature & humidity
- Full cotinus coggygria 'golden spirit' care guide
Looking for cotinus coggygria 'golden spirit' in general rather than its problems? Read the full cotinus coggygria 'golden spirit' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Cotinus coggygria 'Golden Spirit' problems — FAQ
Why is my cotinus coggygria 'golden spirit' leaf scorch?
Brown, crispy leaf margins from intense midday sun or drought. Give some afternoon shade in hot regions and keep the roots cool with mulch and adequate moisture.
Why is my cotinus coggygria 'golden spirit' green reversion in shade?
Too little light turns the gold to plain lime-green. Site in good light to maintain the colour.
Why is my cotinus coggygria 'golden spirit' verticillium wilt?
Susceptible to this soil-borne fungus causing branch dieback. Remove affected wood promptly and avoid replanting smoke bush on infected ground.
Why is my cotinus coggygria 'golden spirit' powdery mildew?
White film on foliage in still, humid air. Improve airflow and water at the base rather than overhead.