By Red_maple
Berkshire,
United Kingdom 
I.D please - I have this tree/large shrub that i cannot identify ?? It's been in my garden as long as i have lived here (around 20 years) it's now around 12ft tall and purple in colour all year, until the leaves drop.
I'm sure one of you will see it and I.D it straight away
21 Aug, 2011
Answers
Reshape in Spring if you want to - I imagine that's a path or walkway to the left of the Cotinus, so don't prune too much off if you really don't want it spreading sideways. It is Cotinus, as Pimpernel says, and the variety is probably 'Royal Purple'
21 Aug, 2011
It looks as though the plant is growing away from the decking naturally. A good hard prune in winter, I would reduce it by half at least, and it will be stunning next year. It will be as tall as it is now by the summer, but thick and full.
21 Aug, 2011
Thanks guys. Very helpful; as always.
Si
23 Aug, 2011
Previous question
« what depth do you plant tulip bulbs into the ground and big pots.thank you.
It is a Cotinus Coggygria or Smoke Bush. I think that it woul benefit from a hard pruning.
21 Aug, 2011