Description
Native to Japan, spike winter hazel is a dense, spreading, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub that typically grows to 4-8? tall and to 6-10? wide. Small drooping clusters (racemes to 2? long) of fragrant tiny lemon yellow flowers (each to 3/8? long) with red to purple anthers bloom in late winter to early spring before the leaves unfold. Corylopsis is closely related to and in the same family as witch hazel (Hamamelis). Best grown in acidic, light but organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates average garden soils, but not unamended heavy clays. Appreciates some afternoon part shade. Also appreciates protection from high winds.
