Perukowiec Podolski Cotinus coggygria is one of the few shrubs that looks the most attractive… after flowering.The mass of fluffy seed heads that decorate it then resembles a small cloud, delicately hung on the tops of the twigs.
This species is found in the steppe areas of Podolia, although the area of its occurrence is much wider and, apart from south-western Europe, it stretches from the Caucasus to central China and the Himalayas. Due to its origin, Podolia is a plant that is exceptionally resistant to long periods of heat and drought, hence its varieties work well in gardens where there is no irrigation system and rainfall is the only source of water.
For ornamental purposes, both species and varieties, which differ in terms of strength of growth, color of leaves, intensity of 'wig' formation and their color, are planted.Among the novelties that appear on the market from time to time, it is worth paying attention to compact varieties intended for growing in small home gardens, and even in containers.
One of the worth recommending is the 'Lilla' variety obtained in Hungary in 2013. In Poland, its premiere took place during last year's exhibition "Green is Life".This plant was entered by the French nursery Pepinier Minier to the Novelties Plant Competition organized during the exhibition and won a bronze medal.
Since wigs have adapted in the course of evolution to colonize dry, warm and sunlit places (they are xerophytes), for their proper growth and development, they should be provided with conditions similar to those in nature.So they require light, permeable soils, e.g.sandy and clayey, and a southern exhibition.Plants tolerate water scarcity and high soil salinity well.
They are frost-resistant and can freeze only during severe winters. The shrubs wake up to life quite late in spring, with the young leaves first appearing in the lower and middle part of the shoots, therefore you should not rush with the maintenance pruning (removing the frozen tops).Besides, pruning is not necessary because the plants have a compact habit.
The 'Lilla' variety looks best in compositions with low shrubs with green or yellow foliage and in perennial beds. Looks effective when planted in groups of several or a dozen or so.Perfect for growing in containers placed on sunny terraces or balconies.
Perukowiec - shape and cultivation
Perukowiec Podolski 'Lilla' is a shrub with purple leaves, a compact habit and a slow growth rate. Reaches 1.2-1.5 m in height. This is a dwarf version of the well-known, strongly growing variety 'Royal Purple'.
Shrubs are rounded with short shoots. The leaves are single, obovate, entire edges, purple, sometimes with a pink border.In autumn the leaves turn red, orange and yellow.Bushes bloom in June, forming small flowers gathered in loose paniculate inflorescences. In July, the stalks of sterile flowers grow vigorously and become feathery, thus creating the characteristic purple wigs.
