Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Corylopsis pauciflora
Buttercup Winter Hazel
- Family
- Hamamelidaceae
- Height
- 3 to 6 feet
- Width
- 4 to 6 feet
- Flower color
- Pale yellow lightly fragrant bell-shaped flowers borne in short drooping clusters
- Foliage color
- Soft medium green rounded leaves with lightly serrated edges
- Bloom time
- Late winter to early spring
- Light
- Partial shade to light full sun
- Water
- Average; evenly moist well drained soil
- Maintenance
- Low; prune lightly after flowering to shape plants and remove any damaged or crossing branches
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 8
- Wildlife
- Bees and other early season pollinating insects
About this plant
Corylopsis pauciflora produces dangling clusters of soft yellow flowers in late winter to early spring, each bloom shaped like a tiny bell with delicate fringed petals. The flowers hang from bare branches before the foliage appears, bringing gentle color at the end of winter. After flowering, rounded leaves unfold in fresh green tones with softly textured surfaces and lightly toothed edges, forming a graceful canopy through the growing season.
Native to woodland regions of Japan and Taiwan, Corylopsis pauciflora has long been valued in ornamental gardens. In landscapes it adds early seasonal interest to woodland borders and shaded plantings where the delicate flowers brighten the garden before spring growth begins.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Under Trees · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Pieris · Hakone grass · Bamboo · Viburnum · Snowdrop · Bergenia
Design tip
Soft yellow flowers appearing on bare branches can illuminate a woodland garden before most surrounding plants begin growing. A position near darker evergreen foliage makes the delicate blooms easier to appreciate, while spring bulbs nearby can echo their color and extend the early-season display.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
