The smoketree is an usual small tree that blooms with "puffs" of mauve/pink flowers in the late spring or early summer.
It often grows with an open and multi-trunk shape but can be pruned to provide a more "tidy" appearance. There are quite a few
cultivars, some of which have lovely lavender or chartreuse leaves:
Plant smoketree in full sun to light shade. Flowering and foliage color will be better in full sun. The soil should
be loose and well-drained. A yearly dose of lime to raise the pH will also be of benefit to these plants. Prune as needed
after flowering. Fertilize in the spring as new growth appears.
Smoketree is a wonderful plant for smaller gardens or even in large containers on patios. Because there are choices in
foliage color, try to blend this plant with others that have foliage in complementary colors. I have seen a nice combination of
the lavender-leafed smoketree with chartreuse sweetflag, firepower nandina and a variety of golden heucheras. The "golden" varieties
blend nicely with the black mondo grasses and purple-flowering verbena. You can even mix the golden and lavender varieties of
smoketree together.
Sources:
This tree is usually widely available from many retail nurseries in the spring through fall.
