Chinese Winter Hazel Corylopsis sinensis var. calvescens f. veitchiana
ABOUT
This plant, commonly known as Chinese winter hazel, exhibits a graceful and attractive appearance. It is adorned with pendulous clusters of buttery-yellow flowers that emerge in early spring. These flowers are characterized by their bell-shaped form and delicate sweet scent, which can add a sensory appeal to any garden during their blooming season. The leaves of the Chinese winter hazel are notably appealing, unfurling to reveal a soft, downy texture. As they mature, the foliage transforms into a vibrant green, creating a backdrop that accentuates the rich yellow of the flowers. In the fall, the leaves offer an additional spectacle of color, turning to various shades that can range from golden-yellow to purples and reds, making it an alluring specimen throughout different seasons. The bark of the Chinese winter hazel is smooth and adds another layer of interest to its overall appearance. With a structure that includes gently arching branches, the tree possesses a habit that can be described as somewhat spreading, allowing it to add a sense of movement and grace to its surroundings. With its appealing seasonal changes and delicate floral display, the Chinese winter hazel is a charming addition to landscapes that benefit from its ornamental qualities regardless of the size.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hamamelidaceae.
Synonyms
Chinese Winter Hazel, Fragrant Winter Hazel, Buttercup Witch Hazel.
Common names
Corylopsis sinensis var. calvescens f. veitchiana
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name for Corylopsis sinensis var. calvescens f. veitchiana is Chinese Winter Hazel. There is limited information on the toxicity of Chinese Winter Hazel to humans. It is not commonly listed as a toxic plant, which suggests that it is likely safe from a toxicological standpoint; however, it is always prudent to exercise caution. If a plant is not widely recognized as being toxic, this does not guarantee that it is entirely free from substances that could cause adverse reactions in some individuals. In the absence of specific toxicity data, I cannot provide symptoms of poisoning or consequences of ingesting this specific variety of Chinese Winter Hazel.
To pets
Chinese Winter Hazel is the most common common name for Corylopsis sinensis var. calvescens f. veitchiana. There is no widely recognized information on the toxicity of Chinese Winter Hazel to pets. This plant is not typically listed among toxic plants for household pets such as dogs and cats. However, the absence of reports of toxicity does not completely rule out the possibility of adverse effects, as individual pets may have different sensitivities to plant materials. Without specific toxicity information, it is not possible to accurately describe symptoms of poisoning or the consequences of ingestion for pets. As with any non-food plant, it is wise to prevent pets from ingesting this plant as a precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Spread
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its pendulous yellow flowers and attractive foliage.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides early spring blooms when many other plants are still dormant.
- Habitat Support: Offers nectar for early-foraging pollinators, such as bees, which are crucial for a healthy ecosystem.
- Shade Casting: As a moderately sized shrub, it can offer light shade for underplantings or cooler areas in a garden.
- Architectural Interest: Its branching structure and bark texture provide winter interest in the landscape after leaves have fallen.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Drought Tolerance: Can survive dry periods once established, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Adaptability: Tolerant of a range of soil types, as long as they are well-drained.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Corylopsis sinensis var. calvescens f. veitchiana, commonly known as Chinese Winter Hazel, can be used in bonsai cultivation for its attractive branching structure and foliage.
- The plant's wood can be used for artisanal woodwork or carving due to its fine grain and workability.
- Chinese Winter Hazel's ornamental flowers can be used in floral arrangements, especially in spring-themed displays.
- The plant's dried seed capsules may be used in decorative crafts or as part of natural potpourri blends.
- Chinese Winter Hazel can play a role in educational gardens or botanical displays dedicated to Asian flora because of its native origins.
- The plant can be employed in landscape design as a natural privacy screen when grown closely together in rows.
- Chinese Winter Hazel leaves can be used in art projects, such as leaf printing or nature-inspired art activities.
- The branches and twigs can be utilized in basket weaving or as natural supports for climbing plants in gardens.
- During colder months, Chinese Winter Hazel can add winter interest in a garden due to its persistent late-season leaves.
- The striking yellow flowers may serve as a food source for early emerging pollinators, making the plant a valuable addition to pollinator gardens.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chinese Winter Hazel is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chinese Winter Hazel is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Spring Renewal: Corylopsis sinensis, commonly known as Chinese witch hazel, often symbolizes the renewal and rebirth associated with spring as it blooms with fragrant yellow flowers early in the season.
- Hope and New Beginnings: The early bloom of the Chinese witch hazel represents hope and the anticipation of new beginnings, as it is one of the first plants to signal the end of winter.
- Fragrance and Attraction: With its sweet-smelling flowers, Chinese witch hazel can symbolize attraction and the ability to allure or invite others.
- Uniqueness: Due to its special variegated form, Corylopsis sinensis var. calvescens f. veitchiana might be seen as representing uniqueness or standing out from the crowd.
- Rarity: As a specific variety with a unique form, this plant may symbolize rarity or the value of rare beauty and qualities.
WaterThe Chinese Witch Hazel should be watered deeply and thoroughly, ensuring water reaches the root zone. In the growing season, typically water once a week, but adjust based on rainfall and temperature, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week. During hot or dry spells, increase watering frequency but allow soil to dry slightly between watering to prevent root rot. In winter, reduce watering as the plant's water requirements decrease. Prefer early morning watering to reduce evaporation and allow leaves to dry out over the course of the day.
LightChinese Witch Hazel thrives in partial shade to full sun. The ideal location would receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can lead to poor flowering, and direct, intense midday sun that might scorch the leaves.
TemperatureChinese Witch Hazel prefers temperate climates and can survive in temperatures ranging from approximately 0°F to 100°F. However, optimal growth occurs when the temperature is between 60°F and 80°F. It can withstand brief periods of cold down to -10°F, and is generally hardy in USDA zones 6 through 8.
PruningChinese Witch Hazel should be pruned to remove dead or crossed branches and to maintain its shape. Prune just after flowering in spring to avoid cutting off the next year's buds. Pruning every year or every other year is typically sufficient. The best time for major pruning is late winter, before the plant starts to leaf out.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Winter Hazel prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. An ideal soil mix would include equal parts of loamy garden soil, peat moss, and perlite to ensure adequate drainage and aeration. The soil pH should ideally be between 5.5 and 7.0.
RepottingWinter Hazel does not require frequent repotting and should be repotted every 2 to 3 years. It's essential to repot in the spring before new growth begins, using a well-draining soil mix that accommodates the plant's preference for slight acidity.
Humidity & MistingWinter Hazel thrives best in moderate to high humidity levels. Keeping humidity around 40-60% will help support its health and leaf condition, without causing issues often associated with overly moist environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and maintain humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade; protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleCorylopsis sinensis var. calvescens f. veitchiana, commonly known as Chinese winter hazel, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after stratification, typically during winter's cold months, germinates in spring. Small shoots emerge and develop into saplings with distinctively veined, broad leaves, and the plant undergoes a period of vegetative growth where it establishes a strong root system. As the Chinese winter hazel matures, it starts to produce fragrant, yellow flowers in late winter to early spring, often before the leaves fully expand. Pollination occurs mainly by insects, leading to the formation of fruit which contains seeds for the next generation. Following seed dispersal in late spring or early summer, the plant enters a period of dormancy during the hot summer months. As the seasons cycle, the Chinese winter hazel once again prepares for flowering in the coming winter, continuing its perennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Chinese winter hazel (Corylopsis sinensis var. calvescens f. veitchiana) is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process usually begins in the late summer when the new growth has started to harden but is not yet fully woody. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 cm) long with several leaves. It is recommended to dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to enhance root development, then plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept in a humid environment with indirect sunlight until roots have established, after which they can be potted on or transplanted to a desired location.
