There are few spring flowering shrubs that I adore more than the buttercup winter hazel. I was first introduced to this plant two decades ago during my first visit to Camellia Forest Nursery. The pale-yellow flowers dangling from bare branches were a welcome alternative to the more commonly grown Forsythia. I was immediately intrigued and have made it a mission to collect and grow as many varieties as possible in the years that have followed.
Corylopsis is an Asian native with nearly 30 different species reigning in the witch hazel family, Hamamelidaceae. The genus name is Greek, korylos, meaning hazel and opsis which translates to like. This is a reference to the foliage which looks very much like Corylus, better known as hazelnut or “Harry Lauders Walking Stick”, the interesting, contorted branch form. The foliage is quite attractive, with a pleated texture and beautiful yellow autumn coloration.
There are four species of Corylopsis that thrive through-out North Carolina providing exceptional spring beauty and overall low maintenance requirements. Hardy in zones 6-8, they are best grown in full sun to part shade and prefer acidic, well-drained soil enhanced with plenty of organic matter. In my experience they have proven to be ideal back of the border plants so they can grow to their full capacity of about 10’ tall and wide without pruning. If do you need to trim them, I recommend waiting until the buds develop on the branches in late winter so the blooms can be enjoyed inside.
Corylopsis glabrescens var gotana
Corylopsis glabrescens var gotana is commonly called “fragrant winter hazel” due to its scented flowers. This Japanese native has a spreading, multi-stemmed habit growing to about 8’ tall and 12’ wide in ten years. Each spring, before the foliage emerges, fragrant, pale-yellow flowers appear in 2” long drooping clusters, technically called racemes.
Corylopsis pauciflora
With a petite growing habit and slender branching structure, Corylopsis pauciflora is an ideal plant for smaller spaces. Reaching only 4’ tall and wide this species offers delicate, primrose yellow blooms that fill the air with a sweet scent in early spring.
Corylopsis sinensis
Corylopsis sinensis, also known as the Chinese winter hazel, is the plant I first fell in love with. With a robust, upright growing habit and large, showy blossoms this species can easily grow to 15’ tall and is a showstopper when in full bloom! It is a plant I would never garden without.
Corylopsis spicata ‘Golden Spring’
The spike winter hazel, Corylopsis spicata, is another fantastic species to include in your garden for its large golden flowers that adorn bare branches in early spring. One of my all-time favorites is the cultivar ‘Golden Spring’, which is sometimes sold as ‘Aurea’. This variety offers chartreuse foliage all summer long before turning brilliant yellow in the late fall.