What: Winterhazels are pleasing year-round — but pure delight in late winter and early spring. Starting at the end of February, the bare branches of Corylopsis pauciflora, aka 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. Autumn’s 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.
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.
Size: This flowering shrub can grow to be 6 feet tall with a spread to 8 feet when mature.
Care: Water occasionally during dry weather and regularly in the summer. Buttercup winterhazel has a naturally graceful habit and needs little pruning.
— Richie Steffen, Great Plant Picks
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