This compact, easy-care shrub is an unsung gem, bursting into bloom in spring with abundant tiny yellow flowers
A group of shrub that top my underused - shrub list are wintertime hazels ( Corylopsisspp . and cvs . , Zones 5–8 ) . Winter hazel is in the same family as witch hazel ( Hamamelisspp . and cvs . , Zones 3–9 ) and has many of the same characteristics . Often flower in concert with other spring perennial favourite , they always hold their own , even ring by other blooming powerhouses . Of the winter hazel mintage , buttercup winter hazel ( Corylopsis pauciflora , Zones 6–8 ) tend to top the list for landscape painting worthiness in my eye . Most noticeable in spring when its chartreuse blooms enwrap every column inch of the plant , it finds a means to be sheer and delicate simultaneously .
A focal point favorite
I first get wind about buttercup winter hazel from a specimen I observed at the State Botanic Garden of Tennessee in Knoxville . This plant life is sited in a woodland garden mise en scene in a teardrop - shape bed with paths on two sides . This allows visitor to get up close and personal with the plant . On many function during the superlative of its spring flower , I have seen both new and veteran gardeners marvel at this wonderful little plant .
An edge over other species
Although winter hazel are native to Korea , Taiwan , and Japan ’s principal island of Honshu , I suspect most plants in commerce are of Japanese origin . Of all the species of wintertime hazel I have grow , I consider buttercup winter hazel the most dependable for bloom . Additionally , the blossom seem to open slimly larger than other mintage , dedicate it a showier appearance . bloom have a light but noticeable fragrance with a pleasant flowered scent . There are other specie with larger bloom , but none I recognise of that flower so copiously .
Proper placement and care
Growing at least 5 feet high and wide , buttercup winter hazel is perfect for place in front of large evergreens on the edge of a garden . Additionally , it makes a fine specimen when institute alone or in large groups . Semi - shade protection from afternoon sun seems to really become this marvellous flora . It ’s not first-rate fussy but prefers gracious organic soils with equal drain . Soon after bloom , finespun , daily round leaves unfurl like an squeeze box . Leaves are often butt on in Bourgogne during emergence , counterpoint nicely with its green leafage . This is perhaps the tidiest looking of all the winter hazels , with a less unresolved use than other species .
If you are a gardener in the Southeast and have a woodland garden , buttercup wintertime hazel is more than worthy of your consideration .
— Andy Pulte is a faculty member in the plant sciences department at the University of Tennessee .
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Buttercup winter hazel is a compact shrub loaded with tiny, cupped blooms.Photo: Andy Pulte
Visitors to the State Botanic Garden of Tennessee in Knoxville like to pose for pictures in front of this specimen of buttercup winter hazel.Photo: Andy Pulte
Compared to other species of winter hazel, buttercup winter hazel is more floriferous.Photo: Andy Pulte
New leaves are bright green, emerge in a swirl, and have an interesting texture.Photo: Andy Pulte
