'Velveteeny' smokebush is aptly named, with dark green to burgundy leaves forming a compact shrub half the size of its parent, 'Royal Purple.' Place this at the back of the border in a sunny location so it can achieve its full size, three to four feet tall and wide. Drought tolerant once established in the ground, 'Velveteeny' adds a wonderful deep red color to the garden all summer long, then takes on red-orange colors before losing its leaves in the fall. And yes, it does develop the smoky gray to pink plumes in the summer. This specimen can be a focal point for a smaller garden, in the ground or in a large container.