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Corylopsis platypetala

Phonetic Spelling
kor-i-LOP-sis plat-ee-PET-uh-la
Description

Chinese winter hazel is a deciduous shrub that was first described and published in 1913 by Alfred Rehder and Ernest Henry Wilson.  It thrives in average, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.  It can be grown as a shrub or as a small tree.  In the wild, heights will reach 8', however, in cultivation, those heights increase to up to 15 feet tall.  

When grown in full sun, the leaves develop a glaucous, waxy bloom.  Pruning should be accomplished immediately after flowering.

The leaves on this variety of winter hazel are large and more elongated than other varieties.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  It is generally insect and disease free.  Late frost can damage the early blooming flowers.  Its weak branches can be damaged by heavy snow loads and strong winds.  

More information on Corylopsis.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant#deciduous#fragrant flowers#bonsai#deciduous shrub#nectar plant#weak wood#cutting garden#bee friendly#broadleaf#hedge#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant#deciduous#fragrant flowers#bonsai#deciduous shrub#nectar plant#weak wood#cutting garden#bee friendly#broadleaf#hedge#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Corylopsis
    Species:
    platypetala
    Family:
    Hamamelidaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Hedges
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Layering
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    China, South-Central and Southeast
    Wildlife Value:
    Nectar from the flower attracts bees.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Attracts Pollinators
    Buffer
    Fragrance
    Screening
    Dimensions:
    Height: 8 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    12-24 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Each dry capsule contains two glossy black seeds.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Good Cut
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Winter
    Flower Shape:
    Bell
    Cup
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Fragrant soft greenish-yellow flowers appear in late winter to early spring (March-April) 1"-2" across clustered in groups of 8-20 on racemes. They are borne on bare stems.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Blue
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Elliptical
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Dentate
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Ovate to broad-ovate elliptical leaves 2"- 4" long with serrate margins and prominent veins. The upper leaf is dark green, while the underside is a blue-grey. Young leaves have silky hairs. As the leaves age, they become smooth.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Dark Brown
    Dark Gray
    Bark Description:
    Older growth gray-brown with lenticels
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    The stems and slender branches are hairy when young. As they age, they become smooth.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Patio
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Hedge
    Attracts:
    Bees