It gets many suckers. Leaves seem green and healthy. Anything I can do to get it to bloom?
It is likely that the soil may be too compact, or contain too much nitrogen and not enough phosphorus and potassium. The soil may be too acidic, which will cause these symptoms as well. Correcting this issue will likely help.
This article will help you to care for the tree: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/smoke-tree/growing-smoke-trees.htm
I planted 5 barerooted smoke bushes over winter. About 3-4 weeks ago 2 of them started showing leaves but the others have not. They are still alive as when scratched they are green underneath and moist. All same species
Smoke tree is very hardy so the others will probably break dormancy soon. Perhaps the first two get a bit more sun than the others.
Here is info on their general care:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/smoke-tree/growing-smoke-trees.htm
Do I need to put it undercover where I have natural light and protection?
This species is hardy down to zone 5. It is hardy well below frost. This article will help you to care for them: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/smoke-tree/growing-smoke-trees.htm
I would love a Royal Purple Cotinus shrub as a hedge. Pruning advice differs from one 'expert' to another. I would like to keep it to a height of no more than 5'. Is this possible, and if so how do I do it?
This article tells you how to keep it trimmed to bush size:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/smoke-tree/pruning-smoke-trees.htm
Hi. I have a smoke bush, recently planted (4 months ago). It has bloomed but over the summer the bottom of the bush has sprouted branches and growth... but the top appears to be doing little, with a few drying green leaves (where at the bottom the growth is lush and red). Thanks Meg
The most common reasons for suppressed growth in the upper part of a plant are inadequate watering/drought stress, or a wound or structural defect of the stem that is preventing circulation of water and nutrients to the top. Inspect the stem and branch structure carefully for defects or rodent damage. Have you had extreme drought conditions or fire? Herbicide drift/overspray contamination?
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/smoke-tree/growing-smoke-trees.htm
Last summer my smoke tree started to just 'die' sections at a time. I pruned as much as I dared to w/o killing it. There are SOME buds now that it is spring, but not all over the tree. Can it be saved, or will I have to chop it down altogether? Would alkaline help, and if so, how do I do that?
Smoke trees do thrive in alkaline soil so if you know your soil is acidic, increasing the alkalinity could help. See article below for "how to." If you aren't sure about your soil, you can do a soil test, information below.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/smoke-tree/growing-smoke-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/smoke-tree/pruning-smoke-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/alkaline-soil-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
the smoke bush is planted close to the house. it gets morning and early afternoon full sun. the first year it bloomed. the last two years it hasn't.
Perhaps your soil has become too acidic. You may need to make your soil a bit more alkaline by adding some mushroom compost. Taking a soil sample to a nursery or extension service can help you determine your soil's pH.
Here's an article that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/smoke-tree/growing-smoke-trees.htm