The Royal Purple Smoketree (Smokebush) Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' is one of the best known of the smoketree/smokebush family. There are those that consider them trees and others consider them a bush. It gets its name from the smoky-purple-beige flowers that bloom in mid summer. Besides having a smoky color they grow in plumes that have a soft smoky appearance. The leaves on the tree will be a rich burgundy color throughout the growing season. They are quite attractive with their upright growth pattern. They are reliable in their hardiness and in their foliage.