buttercup winterhazel
© Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks
© Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks
© Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks
Winterhazels are pleasing year 'round - but pure delight in late winter! Toward the end of February, the bare branches of buttercup winterhazel hang with half inch-long clusters of pastel yellow flowers that glow like little lanterns. As the flowers fade in April, the pretty leaves unfurl to 3 inches long, bright green and blushed with bronze. Autumn color is straw yellow. This species is much more compact than the others, with slender stems and an intricate branching pattern. Because of this habit and its slow growth, it is is the ideal choice for a small garden and can even be trained against a north- or east-facing wall.
Plant Type: shrub
Foliage Type: deciduous
Plant Height (10-year): 6 ft. 0 in. (1.83 meters)
Plant Width/Spread (10-year): 8 ft. 0 in. (2.44 meters)
Plant Height-Mature: 8 ft. 0 in. (2.44 meters)
Plant Width-Mature: 10 ft. 0 in. (3.05 meters)
Hardiness: USDA Zones 6 to 9
Flower Color: yellow
Flowering Time: winter
Sun/Light Exposure: light to dappled shade
Water Requirements: occasional watering
Seasonal Interest: charming late winter flowers
Wildlife Associations: bees, hummingbirds
Great Plant Combinations:
Great Color Contrasts: orange, purple, lavender
Great Color Partners: yellow, gold, dark green
Plant winterhazels in a spot with light, open, or dappled shade with rich well-drained soil and water occasionally during dry weather. It will tolerate full sun if hot spots are avoided and it is provided with regular watering in the summer. It has a naturally graceful habit and needs little pruning.
Native to Japan and Taiwan.
Text and photos ©2020 Great Plant Picks/Elisabeth Carey Miller Garden except where otherwise noted
Funded by the Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation, The Seattle Times, and Individual Donors
Administered by the Elisabeth Carey Miller Botanical Garden