I have a little Royal Purple Smoketree growing in a container right now and am looking for tips and advice on overwintering in Zone 5. Can it be kept in my garage or should I keep it inside? Any general tips on keeping it alive during the dormant season?
An unheated garage or an indoor area that does not get over 65 degrees F or fall below 50 degrees F is fine. Dormant plants usually require only monthly watering to prevent them from drying out completely.
We have a small smoke tree, about 4-5 feet tall, that was planted last summer and is doing very well. Right now, however, it has one very tall branch that appears to be the main branch of the tree. We would like to prune this branch but don't want to damage any growth of the tree. When is the best time to prune, where should we prune (this branch) and how should we prune it (above or below the Y of the branch)?
This article should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/smoke-tree/pruning-smoke-trees.htm
When in southern Ontario should lupines, salvia and a smoke bush be cut back for the winter? The smoke bush is getting very large.
I'm from the uk, the lupins and salvias once they start to go over cut them down. The smoke bush will be fine to cut back as hard as you need to keep it within its alloted space, as long as there is no danger of frost.
Can smoke tree be grown in a container (patio)? How large do they get? Do they winter kill if left outside?
Yes, these trees can be grown in a suitable container and will survive winter as long as it does not get too cold in your area. Here is more information on growing these trees: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/smoke-tree/growing-smoke-trees.htm
We have found the best way to treat spider mites is with neem oil. Not only is it effective, but it's also quite safe to both plants and animals (as well as humans). This article should help you: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
I recently planted a small smoke tree but am concerned about its poisonous seeds and that it is a member of sumac family and might cause skin irritation. I read this in an article on the internet. My daughter visits often and brings her dog. Is this a great danger to pets? There was no warning about this on the tag found on the tree when I bought it. Are all smoke trees dangerous to pets or certain types? Help!!
Yes, the seeds and other parts of the tree are poisonous. However, it is unlikely that the dog will be eating it. Still I would recommend keeping the animal away from the tree. One way to accomplish this is to place fencing around it whenever the dog is expected to visit so he will be unable to get close enough to the tree.
Can you give me specific instructions on how to trim my smoke bush?
This article should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/smoke-tree/pruning-smoke-trees.htm