Corylopsis sinensis var. calvescens f. veitchiana

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Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Corylopsis sinensis var. calvescens f. veitchiana

Chinese Winter Hazel

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.

Light

Partial shade to light full sun

Water

Average, well drained soil

Bloom time

Early to mid spring often, March to April

Find this plant

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.