When to Prune Smokebush?

The rule for pruning deciduous flowering plants states that if it flowers after June 1, like the smoke bush, you need to prune in early spring. Smoke tree pruning can also be done in late winter if you wish to rejuvenate the plant and cut it all the way to the ground.

When should I prune my Smokebush?

Cotinus should be pruned in late winter or early spring when still dormant to keep the framework of the shrub looking in good shape.

How do you prune an overgrown smoke bush?

They don't need much pruning, but if you want to encourage bushy new growth with larger than average leaves, cut the stems back hard in early spring. Add a generous helping of well-rotted manure or leaf mould after pruning – but even if you don't prune hard, they will also benefit from a good spring feed.