What: Winter hazels are pleasing year-round, but they are pure delight in early spring. Toward the end of February, the bare branches of spike winter hazel, also known as corylopsis spicata, hang with 1-inch clusters of bright yellow flowers that glow like miniature lanterns. Red anthers peek out from the pendant blossoms for a special visual bonus.
Why plant it? As the flowers fade in April, leaves unfurl to about 4 inches long, dark green on top and blue-green underneath. This shrub’s autumn color is straw yellow and its branches have an attractive zigzag habit. Its flowers are sweetly scented. Create a rich contrast by underplanting it with a winter-flowering heath such as Kramer’s Rote.
Where: Winter hazels prefer full sun to part shade. They thrive in fertile, rich, well-drained soil. In hot sun and soil that is too dry, their leaves may bleach or scorch.
How: Their branching pattern is naturally attractive and requires little pruning. This compact species can be trained as a wall shrub.
Actual size: It grows to about 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide in 10 years.
Learn more: See www.greatplantpicks.org
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