Corylopsis spicata

Corylopsis spicata

Common name: spike winter hazel

Family: Hamamelidaceae

Leaf: ovate to obovate leaves, up to 4" long, emerge bronze-purple, changing to blue-green later in the spring. Leaves are glaucous and pubescent underneath. Deeply grooved, showy venation. Fall colour non-showy yellowish-green.

Flower: small, drooping/pendulous clusters, up to 2" long, of fragrant, tiny lemon yellow flowers with red to purple anthers, blooming late winter to early spring, before the leaves.

Fruit: non-showy capsule

Habit: dense, spreading, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub; Form: irregular, wide, open rounded

Culture: Hardy in USDA zones 5-8. Best grown in acidic, organically-rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates average garden soils, bot not heavy clays. Does well with afternoon part shade. Benefits from protection from winds. Buds are susceptible to spring frosts. Prune as needed right after flowering.

Uses: shrub border, winter gardens, late winter flowering interest.

Origin: China, Japan