Royal Purple Smoke Bush

The Royal Purple Smoke Bush typically grows 10–15 feet tall and 8–12 feet wide at maturity, forming a rounded, upright shape.

This shrub grows at a moderate to fast rate, often adding 1–2 feet of growth per year under ideal conditions.

Plant in full sun in well-draining soil. Choose a spot with room for its mature size and where its deep purple foliage can receive plenty of sunlight for best color.

Spring brings wine-red new leaves that deepen to rich purple in summer. Airy “smoke” plumes appear after flowering, lasting through early fall. In autumn, leaves turn fiery red-orange before dropping for winter.

Yes — you can train it into tree form by selecting a strong, central stem and removing lower side shoots as the plant grows. Continue pruning away new lower branches each year to raise the canopy and maintain a single trunk.

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Trim back older stems to control height, encourage fresh foliage, and maintain an open shape. Light shaping can also be done in summer if needed.

Cutting back older branches (also called “rejuvenation pruning”) stimulates vigorous new shoots with the richest purple leaf color. Remove 1/3 of the oldest stems at ground level each year, or cut the shrub back more dramatically every 2–3 years if desired.

Space 8–12 feet apart to allow each plant enough room to develop its full form. For a looser hedge or screening row, spacing can be widened slightly.

Yes — once established, this shrub is highly drought tolerant. Occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells will help maintain leaf color and vigor.

It is generally considered deer resistant—most deer avoid its foliage and stems, though occasional browsing may happen in winter when food is scarce.

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.