Corylopsis
( kor - il - LOP - siss )
At-A-Glance Information
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More commonly known as Winter Hazel, this is a deciduous group of shrubs native to Asia. They are valued for their bell-shaped yellow flowers that hang in chains on bare branches in late winter and early springtime and fragrant branches (which keep well in vases). New foliage is tinged pink and turns bright green with maturity. Fall color varies depending on the species, from none, to poor, to yellow. These shrubs have an open structure with a delicate branching pattern, and are most at home in woodland gardens as understory plantings.
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corylopsis Species and Varietals
The genus Corylopsis includes 30 species and is a member of the Hazel family (Hamamelidaceae). The genus name is derived from the Greek words for Hazel ('korylos') and resemblance ('opsis'), and it was first described in 1836 by Philip Franz von Siebold and Joseph Gerhard Zuccarini. Corylopsis zones vary by species. To find more information, read the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Corylopsis glabrescens (Fragrant Winter Hazel) This species grows best in zones 2-7 and 14-17. This is the hardiest of the Corylopsis species. Grows up to 8-15 feet tall and just as wide. Can be trained as a small tree. |
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Corylopsis pauciflora (Buttercup Winter Hazel) This species of Corylopsis has a dainty habit, growing to just 4 to 6 feet tall and wide. Grows best in zones 4-7 and 14-17. Blossom clusters each contain about two to three blossoms. |
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Corylopsis sinensis (Chinese Winter Hazel) This species grows best in zones 4-7 and 14-17, and grows to be around 15 feet tall and wide. Varieties include Corylopsis sinensis sinensis (with velvety blue-green leaves), 'Spring Purple' (has purplish young stems in springtime that mature to green), and Corylopsis sinensis calvescens (smooth leaf surfaces and hairless leafstalks). |
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Corylopsis spicata (Spike Winter Hazel) This species grows best in zones 3b-7 and 14-17. Gets to 8 feet tall and 10 feet wide. New growth is purple and matures to a blue-green color. Variety 'Aurea' has yellow foliage. |
Caring for and pruning corylopsis shrubs
Corylopsis enjoys being planted in humus-rich or loamy, rich acidic soil and being protected from strong winds, which can damage the delicate branches. Plant in full sun or partially shaded areas, and ensure that the leaves do not burn due to warmer temperatures later in the day. Shrubs will flower more profusely when given adequate sunshine. Provide with regular water and prune only to remove dead or dying branches; otherwise, leave these shrubs and trees to take on their natural habit, and do not try to control for size. They are slow-growing and should reach their mature size in about 10 years or so, depending on the variety.
Propagation
Corylopsis can be propagated best by cuttings. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your shrub, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Corylopsis by Cutting
Propagating Corylopsis by Cutting
- Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
- In late winter, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming semi-hardwood branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
- Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
- Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.
Problems and Pests
Corylopsis does not suffer from any serious disease or pest issues.
Gallery
The leaves on Corylopsis trees are deeply veined and green.
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Fragrant yellow flowers dangle from branches in clusters in late winter and springtime.
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These shrubs are known for their yellow flowers, which bloom early in spring when most other trees have not leafed out yet.
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Videos
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A video all about using Corylopsis in the home garden.
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An informational video about Corylopsis.
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How to identify Corylopsis spicata shrubs.
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A short video on Witch Hazel.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 265, Corylopsis
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