With prolific and large ultra-fluffy plumes, packed full of shell pink and maroon flowers, winsome bluish green foliage and a compact multistemmed hearty habit, what’s not to love about this daydream? Its over-the-top floriferous display and fiery scarlet autumn encore were first observed more than 50 years ago at Michigan’s Newport Nursery and subsequently patented in 1959. Highly prized by horticulturists and savvy gardeners alike, ‘Daydream’ promises to lull your senses when ensconced near cohorts such as Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Ruby Slippers’ and Panicum ‘Warrior’.

Blooms July–August.

Size: 8' 0" – 10' 0" high x 8' 0" – 10' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 5.

If you’ve lusted after a Cotinus but didn’t feel like you had the room, consider this floriferous smaller statured Smoke Bush. Compact slow growing stems plus rounded glossy green leaves elevate a cream-tinged pink frothy mass of colossal flower pouffes. The astonishing floral presentation unfurls at an earlier age than most Cotinus, while the brilliant orange and red fall foliage vitalizes the late season garden. Developed by Dutch breeder, Hendrik Kolster, easily managed ‘Young Lady’ looks splendid in a good-sized container, ensconced near a bench and anywhere else that is tight on space.

Blooms May–July

Size: 4' 0" – 6' 0" high x 4' 0" – 6' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 5.

Meticulously crafted by British plant breeder Peter Moore over the course of a decade, this interspecific cross between Cotinus szechuanensis and Cotinus coggygria ‘Velvet Cloak’ is a shapely prismatic marvel. Bathed in opulent plum-red hues, the oval wavy-edged deciduous leaves embellish a close-knit well-branched foundation beneath large long-lasting ethereal pouffes of small flowers with lanky rose and wine-colored filaments. Ideal for well-drained mixed borders, fertile woodland peripheries and patio containers, ‘Dusky Maiden’s hearty no-fuss foliar display becomes even more dazzling in a sunny spot, then ends the season blazing a gold, tangerine and scarlet-red fall finale. (pp#20,358)

Blooms June–July

Size: 5' 0" – 8' 0" high x 5' 0" – 8' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 6.

Hallmarked by a lambent-leafed spectacle bridging three seasons and signature gauzy panicles, this new upright Cotinus makes a dynamic mainstay for any garden. Young leaves emerge a lime-green color, turn a brilliant golden hue in summer, and then broadcast a glorious mélange of coral, orange and red in autumn.

An Adriana Sanders-van Harn introduction and a lively companion for blue flowering Clematis, Aconitums and Oakleaf Hydrangeas, ‘Golden Spirit’ develops as an open multistemmed deciduous shrub that appreciates average moisture, some protection from hot scorching sun and a pruning to maintain its size and good form. (pp#13,082)

Blooms July – August.

Size: 8' 0" high x 8' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 5.

An arresting beacon as the sun casts a ruby glow through its purple-black leaves, ‘Grace’ inherits her elegance from Cotinus coggygria ‘Velvet Cloak’ and Cotinus obovatus. The sprays of tiny deep pink flowers throw a smoky, wine-colored fog over its robust form, and a close glance reveals bright yellow at the center of each bloom. Lovely in contrast with the silver foliage of Teucrium fruticans (Select Form), ‘Grace’ conveys a stately presence matched by few other plants.

Blooms July–August.

Size: 12' 0" high x 12' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 5.