Corylopsis sinensis var. sinensis - Chinese winter hazel

Corylopsis sinensis var. sinensis, also known as Corylopsis willmottiae, is a deciduous bush of medium size, valued for its highly fragrant yellow flowering in early spring. The flowers appear in small pendulous clusters that are noticeable on the bare branches. In autumn, it attracts attention again with its golden yellow hazel-like foliage. Appreciated by connoisseurs, it thrives in humus-bearing soil with a tendency for acidity, remaining moist in summer.

Native to the Chinese province of Sichuan, Corylopsis sinensis var. sinensis grows naturally in forests and valleys at altitudes between 1800 and 2500 metres. It is a deciduous bush belonging to the Hamamelidaceae family. It has a graceful habit, with flexible and slightly spreading vegetation, reaching about 2 metres in height and 1 metre in width. The flowering period, in March-April, occurs on branches that are still leafless. The pastel yellow flowers form numerous pendent racemes, measuring 3 to 4 cm in length. Each raceme contains 10 to 17 individual flowers, in pale yellow bell-shaped blossoms with a pleasant fragrance. Unfortunately, it can be damaged by late frosts, although the bush itself is hardy down to -15°C. The leaves appear after the flowering period. They are entire, ovate, wavy, finely toothed at the edges, and hairy along the veins. They are medium green until late summer, turning golden yellow in October before falling.

Corylopsis sinensis var. sinensis can be used as an attractive standalone specimen or as part of a flowering hedge. It naturally pairs well with other acid soil shrubs such as autumn camellias, Pieris, mountain laurels (Kalmia), and Chinese azaleas. To highlight its flowering, it can be planted in front of an evergreen shrub such as 'Dark Green' crenate holly that will provide a beautiful dark green backdrop.