type :
Deciduous, Shrubs
sun exposure :
Full Sun, Partial Shade
water :
Regular Water
planting zones :
US (Upper South) / Zone 6, MS (Middle South) / Zone 7, LS (Lower South) / Zone 8
Plant Details
These delightful Asian natives are valued for sweet-scented, bell-shaped, soft yellow flowers that hang in short, chainlike clusters on bare branches in early spring. Foliage that follows is often tinged pink; it later turns bright green. Toothed, nearly round leaves somewhat resemble those of hazelnut (Corylus); fall color varies from yellow-green to a good clear yellow. Rather open structure with attractive, delicate branching pattern. Give same soil conditions as you would rhododendrons. Grow in wind-sheltered location in shrub border or at edge of woodland. Not favored by deer.
fragrant winter hazel
corylopsis glabrescens
- Hardiest species.
- To 815 feet high and wide.
- Can be trained as a small tree.
- Flower clusters are 11 inches long.
buttercup winter hazel
corylopsis pauciflora
- Dainty habit to 46 feet high and wide.
- Blossom clusters are 1 inches long, each containing two or three blooms.
corylopsis sinensis
- A variable species.
- The typical form is a spreading shrub to 15 feet tall and wide, bearing crowded flower spikes to 2 inches long.
- Variety Corylopsis s.
- sinensis (C.
- willmottiae) has velvety blue-green leaves, hairy leafstalks, and flower clusters to 3 inches long.
- Its selection 'Spring Purple' has purplish young stems that mature to green.
- Corylopsis s.
- calvescens (C.
- platypetala) has smooth leaf surfaces and almost hairless leafstalks.
spike winter hazel
corylopsis spicata
- To 8 feet high, 10 feet wide.
- New growth is purple, maturing to bluish green.
- Each 1- to 2 inches-long flower cluster holds 6 to 12 blossoms.
- The showiest winter hazel in bloom.
- Golden Spring has bright yellow new growth, with a touch of red and yellow, turning to chartreuse in midsummer and orange and yellow in fall.
corylopsis 'Winterthur
- US, MS, LS, CS; USDA 6-9.
- To 12 feet tall and 15 feet wide, this hybrid can be grown as a large shrub or small tree if trained.
- Heat tolerant but looks best in warm regions when it has light shade.
- Gold fall color.