Great Plant Pick: Corylopsis pauciflora aka buttercup winterhazel

Published 1:30 am Thursday, February 16, 2017

What: Corylopsis pauciflora are commonly known as buttercup winterhazel.

Winterhazels are pleasing year-round but pure delight in late winter. Toward the end of February, the bare branches of buttercup winterhazel hang with half inch-long clusters of pastel yellow flowers that glow like little lanterns. As the flowers fade in April, the pretty leaves unfurl to 3 inches long, bright green and blushed with bronze. Its Autumn color is straw yellow. This species is much more compact than the others, with slender stems and an intricate branching pattern. Because of this habit and its slow growth, it is is the ideal choice for a small garden and can even be trained against a north- or east-facing wall.

Size: The plant grows to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide.

Where: Plant winterhazels in a spot with light, open or dappled shade with rich, well-drained soil. It will tolerate full sun if hot spots are avoided. It has a naturally graceful habit and needs little pruning.

Water: Water occasionally during dry weather and regularly when hot.

— Richie Steffens, Great Plant Picks