Batten Blooms
PL. —Cotinus coggygriaBotanical illustration — drop image
Cotinus coggygria

Smoketree 'Golden Spirit'

SpringSummerFall
5a–8bHardiness zone
Peak bloom windowZone 6b · frost-offset weeks
Winter
Not in bloom
Spring
Peak bloom
Summer
Peak bloom
Fall
Not in bloom
Peak bloom
In bloom
Background

'Golden Spirit' (sold under the trade name Ancot) is a smoketree cultivar grown for bright chartreuse-to-gold foliage that holds its color from spring through summer, a strong contrast to the purple-leaf cultivars more commonly planted. Its pink smoke plumes stand out clearly against the gold leaves in early-to-mid summer, and foliage shifts to orange and red tones in fall. It is more compact than the species, typically staying 6 to 8 feet.

Gold foliage color is best in full sun, but in regions with hot, intense afternoon sun it can scorch; part shade during the hottest part of the day protects the leaves without much loss of color. Otherwise it shares the species' preference for lean, well-drained soil and dislikes rich or wet ground. Prune lightly to shape after flowering, or cut hard in late winter for larger leaves and a more compact mound, at the cost of that season's smoke display.

Good companions
Purple ConeflowerStonecropSalviaAmsonia
Care guide
SunFull sun to part shade; best gold color in full sun, part shade in hot climates
WaterLow to moderate; drought tolerant once established
SoilLean, well-drained; tolerates poor, dry, rocky, alkaline soil
Spacing6–8 ft
Height6–8 ft
Zone5a – 8b
Frost hardy
Seasonal tasks
spring
watchWatch for sudden one-sided branch wilting, a sign of verticillium wilt; prune out and destroy affected wood well below any staining in the sapwood.
cutPrune lightly to shape after flowering, or cut hard to a low framework in late winter for larger leaves and a more compact mound, at the cost of that year's smoke display.
sowPlant in spring; site in full sun in cooler climates for the brightest gold color, or part shade during peak afternoon sun in hot regions to prevent leaf scorch.
summer
watchCheck gold foliage during hot spells for scorched, papery brown patches; provide afternoon shade next season if scorch is severe.
watchPink smoke plumes stand out against the gold foliage as they build through early-to-mid summer.
fall
watchFoliage shifts to orange and red tones in fall before leaf drop.
Common problems

Verticillium Wilt

Symptoms

Lower leaves yellow and wilt, often on one side of the plant, with brown streaking in the stem and crown tissue when cut open. Plants are stunted and decline over the season.

Treatment

Remove and destroy affected plants. Avoid planting in soil that has grown infected tomatoes, peppers, or other susceptible crops. Rotate beds and improve drainage; there is no cure once a plant is infected.