Corylopsis spicata 'Red Eye'

RHS Plant Profile
spike witch hazel 'Red Eye'
Shrubs

A broadly-spreading, deciduous shrub bearing clusters of pendulous, pale-yellow flowers with prominent red anthers in early spring. These are followed by rounded, heart-shaped, grey-green leaves which colour golden-yellow in autumn.

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Hamamelidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus
Corylopsis are deciduous shrubs or small trees, with simple, toothed leaves and nodding racemes of small, usually fragrant, bell-shaped pale yellow flowers in early spring
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in partial shade on any moist but well-drained, preferably acidic soil, that is rich in organic matter.

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in an open cold frame in autumn. Insert softwood cuttings in summer. Propagate by layering in autumn.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 1; or prune immediately after flowering if required.

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility