Corylopsis spicata
In February, when nothing else flowers, Corylopsis unfurls its drooping clusters of pale yellow, fragrant blooms on bare wood. That is its sole purpose — and it is more than enough.
What makes it unique. Corylopsis spicata is one of the earliest-flowering bonsai in the entire encyclopedia. Its flowers appear in pendant clusters, light and airy, in a luminous sulphur yellow, before any leaf bud stirs — sometimes from the end of January in mild winters. The fragrance is subtle but real, soft and faintly honeyed. This winter flowering on bare wood gives it a unique character in the collection: while all other trees still sleep, Corylopsis is already in celebration. Its heart-shaped foliage, a beautiful blue-green during the growing season, turns golden yellow in autumn before falling. The fine ramification and naturally arching small branches create a delicate silhouette, quite unlike species with a rigid bearing.
Origin. The botanical name comes from Greek: corylus (hazel) and opsis (resembling) — the tree does indeed resemble hazel in its leaves and habit. The epithet spicata refers to the spike-like form of its inflorescence. Native to the mountain forests of Japan (mainly Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu), it grows in cool, lightly shaded understorey in the wild. As a bonsai, it remains relatively uncommon in Europe despite its qualities — a hidden gem of Western collections.
A contemplative bonsai for lovers of early flowering. Corylopsis is a tree for bonsaïka who know how to wait and who seek something different from the great Japanese classics. It demands little maintenance out of season, restrained pruning to preserve its flowering, and rewards patience with a rare spectacle in the depths of winter. Recommended for collectors who want a different tree with a strong seasonal personality.
In February, when nothing else flowers, Corylopsis unfurls its drooping clusters of pale yellow, fragrant blooms on bare wood. That is its sole purpose — and it is more than enough.
What makes it unique. Corylopsis spicata is one of the earliest-flowering bonsai in the entire encyclopedia. Its flowers appear in pendant clusters, light and airy, in a luminous sulphur yellow, before any leaf bud stirs — sometimes from the end of January in mild winters. The fragrance is subtle but real, soft and faintly honeyed. This winter flowering on bare wood gives it a unique character in the collection: while all other trees still sleep, Corylopsis is already in celebration. Its heart-shaped foliage, a beautiful blue-green during the growing season, turns golden yellow in autumn before falling. The fine ramification and naturally arching small branches create a delicate silhouette, quite unlike species with a rigid bearing.
Origin. The botanical name comes from Greek: corylus (hazel) and opsis (resembling) — the tree does indeed resemble hazel in its leaves and habit. The epithet spicata refers to the spike-like form of its inflorescence. Native to the mountain forests of Japan (mainly Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu), it grows in cool, lightly shaded understorey in the wild. As a bonsai, it remains relatively uncommon in Europe despite its qualities — a hidden gem of Western collections.
A contemplative bonsai for lovers of early flowering. Corylopsis is a tree for bonsaïka who know how to wait and who seek something different from the great Japanese classics. It demands little maintenance out of season, restrained pruning to preserve its flowering, and rewards patience with a rare spectacle in the depths of winter. Recommended for collectors who want a different tree with a strong seasonal personality.