Golden Spirit Smoke Bush

Golden Spirit Smoke Bush

5 Gallon
$79.00
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Golden Spirit Smoke Bush
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Golden Spirit Smoke Bush

Cotinus coggygria ‘Golden Spirit'

Vibrant Chartreuse-Yellow Foliage • Spectacular Multi-Colored Fall Display • Compact & Sun-Tolerant

$79.00
Size

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Golden Spirit Smoke Bush is a luminous foliage star that brightens the landscape with its chartreuse to bright yellow leaves from spring through summer. Its foliage transitions to stunning shades of orange, red, and purple in fall, and it produces airy, smoky flower plumes. This compact, sun-loving shrub is perfect for adding a splash of constant, glowing color to borders or as a standout specimen.

  • Prized for its vibrant, chartreuse-yellow foliage that maintains its bright color throughout the growing season without scorching in full sun.

  • Offers a spectacular fall display, with leaves turning vibrant hues of coral, orange, red, and purple.

  • Produces the characteristic, delicate, smoke-like flower panicles in summer, which contrast beautifully with the yellow leaves.

  • Naturally grows in a more compact, rounded form than the purple varieties, making it ideal for smaller gardens or mixed shrub borders.

  • Shares the same excellent drought tolerance, deer resistance, and adaptability to poor soils as other smoke bushes.

Knowing how we measure the size?

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

  • A larger gallon size generally means:

    • A more established root system

    • A sturdier plant

    • Faster visual impact after planting

  • Example:

    • 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity

    • 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.


🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Ornamental trees

    • Feature plants

    • Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.

  • Why choose Multi:

    • Fuller, more sculptural appearance

    • Strong visual presence even at younger ages

    • Popular for design-focused landscapes


🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

  • Commonly used for:

    • Shade trees

    • Street trees

    • Orchard and structural plantings

  • Why choose Stand:

    • Clean, classic tree form

    • Easier clearance for walkways and lawns

    • Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity


🌿 Choosing the Right Size

  • If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form

  • If you want long-term structure → Stand form

  • If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Quick facts
  • Features:Foliage: Chartreuse-yellow rounded leaves turning vibrant orange-red in fall,Flowers: Ethereal white smoke-like plumes (summer),Growth Habit: Compact, mounding deciduous shrub
  • Mature Height: 6-8 ft
  • Mature Width: 4-6 ft
  • Growth Rate: Moderate (9-12" per year)
  • Light Needs: Full sun (for best color)
  • Key Advantages:Unique golden foliage,Drought tolerant,Deer resistant,Low maintenance,Four-season interest
  • Landscape Uses:Color contrast plantings,Compact hedges,Mixed borders,Xeriscape gardens,Container specimens
FAQs

Q: Will the yellow leaves burn in full sun?
A: No, that's the exceptional quality of 'Golden Spirit'. Unlike many yellow-leafed plants, it holds its bright color well even in hot, full sun, provided it has adequate soil moisture. In too much shade, the foliage may turn more greenish.

Q: How do I care for it to keep the color bright?
A: Ensure it is planted in full sun for the most intense yellow color. While drought-tolerant, occasional deep watering during extreme heat will prevent stress and leaf drop, helping to maintain the vibrant foliage. The same pruning rules apply as for the purple variety regarding flower production.

Browse online or get recommendations

Shop by collection, or message us with photos and measurements of your space for tailored suggestions.

Place your order & schedule delivery

Choose your trees and preferred delivery window. Most Bay Area orders are delivered within about 10 business days, depending on routing and weather.

We deliver carefully to your property

Our drivers are trained to handle living plants, not just boxes. For many trees, we can set them in place near the planting site.

Grow with our ongoing support

You’ll receive basic care guidelines, and you can always reach out if you’re unsure about watering, fertilizing, or pruning.

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