Spike Winterhazel
This is a Winter flowering deciduous tree or small shrub form Japan. Corylopsis spicata is grown for the masses of pale golden yellow flowers that appear in late winter to spring.
This is a small tree or shrub that will reach around 3 metres (10 ft) in height over time. The common name is Spike Winterhazel and it is related to the Witchhazels.
The foliage emerges a bronze colour before turning a mid green, oval and deeply veined or textured. The flowers appear on bare stems and hang gracefully in racemes around 5 cm ( 2 inches ) in length. Flowers are fragrant and last well on the tree.
Care
The plant is shrub like, multi stemmed and easy care in a well drained soil.
After planting water well and mulch around the plant to maintain a cool moist root run.
Summary Information.
- Botanical Name – Corylopsis spicata
- Common Name – Spike Winterhazel
- Height – To 3 metre
- Spread – Over time it can reach 2 metres.
- Soil – Humus rich well drained with some moisture.
- Position – Full sun to dappled afternoon shade for good flowering. In warmer climates part shade is best.
- Growth Rate – Medium to fast
- Flowers – Pale golden yellow.
- Flowering period – Late winter to spring.
- Pruning – Although pruning is not generally required, you may wish to prune by taking a branch section to use as a cut flower arrangement in winter. Tip pruning is not recommended as it tends to destroy the natural shape of the plant.
Varieties
- Ogon (syn ‘Aurea’) is a golden leafed variety.
- ‘Golden Spring’ is another with golden foliage in spring.
Landscaping Uses.
Excellent in the garden border where it adds colour in winter and works as a background foliage plant from spring through to autumn.
With fragrant flowers it can also be used in a sensory garden.
Propagation.
This is an easy plant to propagate by cuttings taken after flowering.
