Corylopsis pauciflora

Buttercup winterhazel is a rare shrub from Japan and Taiwan. It is especially popular among hobbyists and garden enthusiasts.

Its small, primrose yellow flowers are born in pendent racemes from early March until end April, weather conditions pending. They are fragrant and do not mind light frosts or snow. Pauciflora means paucity of flowers which is a little topsy-turvy because the shrub is literally flooded with flowers on bare branches every year. It was perhaps used to distinguish this species from corylopsis spicata which has more flowers on one raceme.

Deciduous leaves are ovate, upto 7cm long, bronze when young, bright to dark green in summer and rich golden-yellow in autumn. The only resemblance to hazels is the shape of leaves. Otherwise it has nothing to do with nut-hazels as it belongs to another family (hamamelidaceae – witch hazels). They need no pruning. If some trimming required, do so immediately after flowering.

It grows slowly, about 1.5m high and 2m wide. The best soil type is acidic, moist and moderately fertile. Plant it in filtered sun or partial shade. Avoid windy locations and frost pockets. Hardy to about -24°C (USDA zone 6) but needs a sheltered location.

Last update 22-12-2007