Corylopsis spicata

Corylopsis spicata, also known as spike winter hazel, is a deciduous shrub native to Japan and China. It's valued for its early spring flowering of fragrant, pale yellow flowers that appear in drooping racemes. The flowers are often but not always preceded by the appearance of soft, light green leaves. The leaves turn a charming yellow in autumn, providing another season of interest. Corylopsis spicata is relatively low-maintenance, growing well in a variety of conditions, though it prefers part shade and moist, well-drained soil. This shrub typically reaches heights and spreads of around 1.5-2.5 metres, making it a good choice for use as an understory plant or in a woodland garden.