Corylopsis pauciflora

buttercup winterhazel

  • © Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks

  • © Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks

  • © Richie Steffen / Great Plant Picks

Outstanding Qualities

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.

Quick Facts

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

Colors & Combos

Great Plant Combinations:

Great Color Contrasts: orange, purple, lavender

Great Color Partners: yellow, gold, dark green

Culture Notes

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.

Geek Notes

Native to Japan and Taiwan.