Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Corylopsis spicata ‘Aurea’
Aurea Spike Winter Hazel
- Family
- Hamamelidaceae
- Height
- 6 to 8 feet
- Width
- 6 to 8 feet
- Flower color
- Pale yellow, fragrant, bell-shaped flowers
- Foliage color
- Bright yellow, maturing to green-yellow
- Bloom time
- Late winter to early spring
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; minimal pruning required, mainly to shape
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 8
- Wildlife
- Attracts early-season pollinators, including bees and butterflies
About this plant
Corylopsis spicata 'Aurea' is a deciduous shrub known for its vibrant, golden-yellow foliage that brightens the garden from spring through fall. The leaves emerge as a soft yellow in spring, deepening to a rich golden hue as they mature, adding a warm glow to the landscape. In early spring, before the leaves fully unfurl, the shrub produces delicate, pendulous racemes of pale yellow, fragrant flowers that hang gracefully from the branches. These blooms are among the first to appear, providing early-season interest and attracting pollinators.
As the season progresses, the foliage retains its golden color, making 'Aurea' a striking choice for adding color and light to shaded or partially shaded garden areas. In autumn, the leaves may take on a subtle orange tint before they fall, extending the plant's visual appeal.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Specimen Plants · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Holly · Pulmonaria · Oxalis · Japanese aralia · Celandine · Coral bells
Design tip
Golden foliage can illuminate a shaded planting for months after the delicate spring flowers have disappeared. Surrounding it with deep green evergreens creates a rich backdrop that intensifies the leaf color, while the shrub’s broad form brings a warm focal point to darker garden spaces.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Bellevue Botanical Garden.
