Corylopsis, commonly known as winter hazel, is another great genus of winter-flowering shrubs, first cousins to the better-known witch hazels. Most corylopsis, like the Corylopsis pauciflora pictured below, mature around 12-15′ tall x wide. These amazing plants typically begin to flower for us (zone 7b) in late February with pendulous racemes of buttery-yellow flowers.
We think the G.O.A.T (greatest of all time) is a dwarf selection of the Japanese native Corylopsis gotoana, named C. ‘March Jewel’, introduced by NC’s Camellia Forest Nursery. Our 11 year-old plant is in full flower this week, and has maintained a nice compact habit at 4′ tall x 6′ wide. I can’t imagine why nurseries across the country aren’t growing this amazing selection. Hardiness Zone 5b-8b, at least.
I enjoy reading these learning something each time. You referenced our zone being 7b. I believe based on the latest hardiness zones, we’re 8a or 8. Have a great day!
Yes, as we addressed in an earlier blog, we are now officially in Zone 8a, but 1 of every 5 winters are Zone 7b or colder, so what we should be planting has not changed.
I purchased this beauty from Wing Haven (who ordered it from Camilla Forest) about 12 years ago. It has stayed consistently at 4X4 and has given me 2 babies the same siza! It’s a show stopper in the spring.