The fluffy-flowered Cotinus Candy Floss and Ruby Glow

Cotinus is known for its plumes of flowers that erupt from the plant in summer, but there are two varieties that are a must-have for lovers of pink: Candy Floss and Ruby Glow!

 

How to grow Cotinus Candy Floss Size: 1.8m x 1.8m Pruning: Prune in winter to control shape and size. Hard pruning produces vigorous, straight shoots Soil: Any good, well-drained soil Sun: Full sun to part shade Water: Keep well watered until established How to grow Cotinus Ruby Glow Size: 1.8m x 1.8m Pruning: Prune in winter to control shape and size. Hard pruning produces vigorous, straight shoots. Soil: Any good, well-drained soil Sun: Full sun to part shade Water: Keep well watered until established

 

How were these plants created?

Hillier has worked on this genus for many years, first introducing the wonderful Cotinus Grace in 1983. This plant was raised at Hillier Nurseries by the late Peter Dummer and was a hybrid of C. obovatus x c. americana. Peter was so pleased with this hybrid that he named it after his wife, Grace. 

Later, Hillier propagator Alan Postill recognised that C. Grace was too large for modern gardens and sought to hybridise a smaller form. After several crosses, a hybrid between C. Daydream x C. Grace yielded several interesting seedlings, the best of which were launched by Hillier.

What’s different about these plants?

Cotinus Candy Floss 

A compact, upright, bushy, deciduous shrub, bearing striking reddish-purple leaves that turn a fiery scarlet in autumn. Large feathery panicles of reddish-pink flowers bloom in summer, creating the smoke effect from which its common name ‘Smoke Bush’ comes. A hybrid raised by Alan Postill at Hillier Nurseries in 2003.

Cotinus Ruby Glow

From the same parentage as ‘Candy Floss’ but smaller, bushier and more compact, this plant features darker purple leaves which transform later in the year to a fiery autumn colour. The large, fluffy pink flower heads are more freely produced, and put on a spectacular late summer show. Raised by Alan Postill at Hillier Nurseries in 2003.

Where can you plant Cotinus Candy Floss and Ruby Glow?

These eye-catching plants both make fantastic specimen shrubs, but can also stand out in a mixed border. Growing to around 1.8m high and wide in maturity, these large shrubs will suit even the most compact of gardens.

 

Where can you buy Cotinus Candy Floss and Ruby Glow?

This plant is available in all 19 Hillier garden centres across the South of England.

British Bloom of the Month is sponsored by Hillier. With more than 155 years of horticulture knowledge, Hillier is celebrated for growing exceptional quality plants, and is proud to be adding this one to its offering. 

See all British Bloom of the Month articles here.