Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Corylopsis sinensis var. calvescens f. veitchiana
Chinese Winter Hazel
- Family
- Hamamelidaceae
- Height
- 10 to 15 feet
- Width
- 8 to 12 feet
- Flower color
- Soft yellow lightly fragrant bell-shaped flowers borne in drooping clusters
- Foliage color
- Medium green broadly oval leaves with softly toothed edges often turning yellow to gold in fall
- Bloom time
- Early to mid spring often, March to April
- Light
- Partial shade to light full sun
- Water
- Average, well drained soil
- Maintenance
- Low; prune lightly after flowering to shape plants
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 6 to 8
- Wildlife
- Bees and other early season pollinating insects
About this plant
Corylopsis sinensis var. calvescens f. veitchiana produces graceful chains of soft yellow flowers in late winter to early spring, each bloom forming a small bell with gently frilled petals that hang along the bare branches. After flowering, broad oval leaves unfold in fresh green tones with lightly textured surfaces and soft veining, creating a full canopy through the growing season. The foliage often develops warm golden tones in autumn before falling.
This selection traces its origin to Corylopsis sinensis native to woodland regions of China. In gardens it adds early seasonal interest to woodland borders and shaded landscapes where the pendant flowers brighten the garden at the close of winter.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Specimen Plants · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Fatsia · Foamflower · Viola · Aucuba · Ferns · Trillium
Design tip
Long chains of yellow bells give this larger winter hazel an airy appearance despite its substantial size. Give the branching room to spread naturally, where the pendant flowers can be viewed against a darker background and the broad canopy can become an elegant woodland feature.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
