This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: partial shade
• Soil: fertile, moist but well-drained, acid soil
• Rate of growth: slow to average
• Flowering period: March to April
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  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.
  
  
• Garden care: To maintain a healthy, open framework remove any misplaced or crossing shoots immediately in spring after the plant has flowered. After pruning apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of composted pine needles or well-rotted leaf mould around the base of the plant.