BBC Gardeners' World

Plant overview

Pendent clusters of sweetly scented, primrose-yellow flowers on bare stems in March and April followed by bronzed hazel-like leaves, maturing to bright green. Winter hazel makes a wonderful specimen plant for a partially shady shrub border or woodland edge. Bushy and spreading in habit, to fully appreciate the delicate cowslip-like perfume it's best planted in a sheltered position close to an entrance or path.

• Postition: West , East
• Soil Type: Heavy Clay (remains damp) , Acid , Normal , Light Sandy (dries out quickly)
• Soil PH: Acid
• Flowering Period: Spring
• Ease of maintenance: Easy
• Fragrant: No
• Spring Colour: light yellow
• Summer Colour: medium green
• Autumn Colour: medium green
• Winter Colour: not-applicable
• Leaf Colour: Green
• Poisonous: No
• Evergreen: No
• Season of interest: Summer, Spring

Garden care

To maintain a healthy, open framework remove any misplaced or crossing shoots immediately in spring immediately after the plant has flowered. After pruning apply a generous 5cm - 7cm (2in - 3in) mulch of composted pine needles or well-rotted leaf mould around the base of the plant.