Winter Hazel
corylopsis pauciflora
Also known as: ["Buttercup Winter Hazel","Few-flowered Winter Hazel"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to Japan, valued for its early spring fragrant yellow flowers that appear before the leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Hamamelidaceae |
| Genus: | Corylopsis |
| Botanical Name: | Corylopsis pauciflora |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: partially shaded garden bed or container with protection from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, acidic to neutral soil with organic matter like compost or leaf mold.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light pruning can be done in late winter if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to rejuvenate an older plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun, filtered afternoon light). Adjust for hotter climates to prevent leaf scorch.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from intense afternoon sun; place in dappled light indoors or under shade cloth outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun with protection from harsh afternoon sun
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun; rotate plant for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic loam
pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; maintain slightly acidic soil; enrich with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C). Tolerates mild frosts but avoid prolonged exposure below 20°F (-6°C).
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain consistent cool conditions for best growth.
Fertilizing
monthly during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Avoid over-fertilizing; fertilize only during active growth; use a balanced formula for flowering shrubs.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings taken in early summer or layering.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant when rooted.
Best Time: Early summer when new growth is flexible but mature enough to root.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot or ground within 1–2 growing seasons.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; heading back to shape; removal of dead or crossing stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage flowering, and remove dead or weak growth. Focus on post-flowering pruning to avoid cutting off buds.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers for thicker stems, pruning saw for large branches.
Checklist
Prune after flowering; sterilize tools; make clean cuts; remove dead or diseased wood.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; use fresh, well-draining soil; ensure good drainage in new pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Young plants may need repotting annually.
Checklist
Check root bound status; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; ensure drainage holes; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or peat moss to improve structure and acidity; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress; stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and may cause leaf damage or dieback, especially if roots are not protected.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from cold winds; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering, especially with inadequate water.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize in spring; use balanced fertilizer; dilute liquid fertilizer; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season (spring to early fall).
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Corylopsis pauciflora. The plant's toxicity is generally low, but ingestion can still cause discomfort and distress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Corylopsis pauciflora can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant's compounds may cause discomfort but are not typically life-threatening unless consumed in large amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCorylopsis pauciflora contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and discomfort when ingested in significant quantities. The plant's toxicity is not severe but can lead to unpleasant symptoms, particularly in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does Corylopsis pauciflora bloom?
A: It blooms in early spring, typically March to April, with fragrant yellow flowers.
Q: Is Corylopsis pauciflora suitable for shade?
A: Yes, it prefers partial shade and can tolerate some shade conditions.
Q: How tall does Corylopsis pauciflora grow?
A: It typically grows to 6–10 feet tall and wide, with a rounded habit.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Hamamelidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun with |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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