How to prune cotinus coggygria 'grace'

Early spring, just as buds begin to swell (March–April). For foliage effect, cut all stems back hard to a low framework (stooling) each spring — this produces outsized leaves but no plumes. For a balance of foliage and flowers, remove only dead wood and thin congested stems lightly. Never prune in autumn or late summer.

Annually if stooling for foliage; every 2–3 years if grown for plumes. 'Grace' is a large, vigorous smoke bush grown primarily for its wine-red foliage and feathery plumes. You can leave it largely unpruned for best plume effect, or cut hard in early spring for dramatically larger leaves at the expense of flowers. Remove dead or congested stems as needed.

For foliage effect, cut all stems back hard to a low framework (stooling) each spring — this produces outsized leaves but no plumes. For a balance of foliage and flowers, remove only dead wood and thin congested stems lightly. Never prune in autumn or late summer.