Cotinus coggygria Golden Spirit - Smoke Bush The first golden-leaved smoke bush, Cotinus coggygria Golden Spirit is a large, deciduous shrub with a shapely, rounded, bushy habit. The leaves are almost circular; they open bronze, turning golden yellow, and in autumn develop tints of red, orange and coral. The green flowers are individually insignificant, but are borne in yellow plumes which rise above the shrub like smoke, giving the plant its common name. An easy shrub which needs little pruning, it looks particularly good with bronze-leaved plants. Smoke bush Golden Spirit holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Site: Tolerates exposureSoil: Any light, fertile, well-drained soilPosition: Full sun or dappled shadeSeason of interest: Spring to autumnHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: 10’ (3m) Spread: (2m); can grow bigger