Corylopsis sinensis var. sinensis

RHS Plant Profile
Chinese winter hazel

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Chinese winter hazel RHS 2003

Synonyms

Corylopsis sinensis Willmottiae Group
Corylopsis yunnanensis
Corylopsis willmottiae

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Shrubs
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A large deciduous shrub of spreading, open habit, with broadly ovate leaves sometimes tinged purple when young. Flowers light yellow, in dense, drooping racemes to 7cm in length

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Hamamelidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
Correct
Plant Range
China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Will grow in acidic soil in a shady position but may need some protection as late frosts can damage the flowers

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in autumn in an open frame, softwood cuttings in summer or layering in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 1 immediately after flowering

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