Troubleshooting
Smokebush 'Royal Purple' problems — and how to fix them
Smokebush 'Royal Purple' (Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple') 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.
Verticillium wilt
Sudden wilting and dieback of individual branches caused by a soil-borne fungus. Prune out affected wood well below the damage, sterilise tools and avoid replanting the same spot.
Loss of leaf colour
Purple foliage greens out in shade or with heavy feeding. Plant in full sun and keep feeding minimal to maintain the rich colour.
Powdery mildew
White coating on leaves in humid, crowded conditions. Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering and remove badly affected growth.
Root rot in wet soil
Yellowing and collapse in heavy, poorly drained ground. Plant in free-draining soil, never overwater, and add grit to clay before planting.
Prevent smokebush 'royal purple' problems before they start
Most smokebush 'royal purple' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for smokebush 'royal purple' in general rather than its problems? Read the full smokebush 'royal purple' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Smokebush 'Royal Purple' problems — FAQ
Why is my smokebush 'royal purple' verticillium wilt?
Sudden wilting and dieback of individual branches caused by a soil-borne fungus. Prune out affected wood well below the damage, sterilise tools and avoid replanting the same spot.
Why is my smokebush 'royal purple' loss of leaf colour?
Purple foliage greens out in shade or with heavy feeding. Plant in full sun and keep feeding minimal to maintain the rich colour.
Why is my smokebush 'royal purple' powdery mildew?
White coating on leaves in humid, crowded conditions. Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering and remove badly affected growth.
Why is my smokebush 'royal purple' root rot in wet soil?
Yellowing and collapse in heavy, poorly drained ground. Plant in free-draining soil, never overwater, and add grit to clay before planting.