Anyone growing Corylopsis spicata 'Golden Spring'

Have an opportunity to get this (aka C. spicata 'Aurea') and have found it almost impossible to find any information on it. Finally found a reference in an old newsletter of JC Raulston's where he referenced the patent number - I finally located the patent - filed by Hines Nurseries. I'm just looking for more information regarding its habit and if the gold foliage will hold through the heat, etc. Anyone have experience with this plant?

Debbie

I have not seen this cultivar so I probably shouldn't comment at all, (but hey, what the hey, blabber on....). I am a big fan of corylopsis and have this species in my garden, along with C. sinensis (my favorite), C. pauciflora and one other unnamed. They all seem to do best in part shade here, or at least a lotta moisture if in sun, so I suspect this one would too. I have seen this species at Longwood in PA, where summers are probably almost as hot and sticky as yours. They have huge (15' plus tall and across) plants at the back of the heather beds among conifers, again part shade, and boy they sure seem to thrive there as the size suggests. But that doesn't really tell you about the sun tolerance of the gold leaved plants. I think all the above 3 species tend to scorch a bit in full sun in Michigan (and we have much cooler summers than you I bet), so I would be looking for a part shady spot myself.

I would love to get one of these myself too.....

BTW, for Corylopsophiles (beats a carpinophile in my book), I think the corylopsis species are in general hardier than they are typically rated. Most if not all the species are rated marginal in zone 5 by many sources, and only reliable in zone 6. Once established, all of the above plants in my garden have survived at least -15F and bloomed relatively normally, and C. sinensis went through -25F in 1993, before it was really big enough to bloom, without any dieback at all. I think the bloom may be reduced when the temps go below -15F, but if that is not the every year occurence in your zone 5 garden (it ain't here), then the plants are likely to grow just fine and put on a show in most years.

They are great underplanted with hellebores. I bet the gold one would provide great foliage contrast to the rich green of hellebore foliage too.

Just got my Hines literature in the mail today. If I remember, I'll look for it tomorrow and maybe bug the rep. Sounds like a nice plant.

Ernie

Ernie, thanks - any and all info would be appreciated.

David

Blabber away! We have several Corylopsis planted in the gardens - C. spicata, C. glabrescens and probably my favorite - C. pauciflora. Because they perform so beautifully here, I'm always looking to add more and thinking this gold leaf cultivar might need to find a home here.

Looked for the photo I thought I had taken of C. pauciflora blooming last spring but can't find it - darn it was absolutely gorgeous.
Note to self: take picture next year!

Went back this morning and read JC's newsletter again - his comments:

link to newsletter http://www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum/publications/newsletters/21-vol-8-no-2/horticulture/21-vol-8-no-2-horticulture.html I love going back and reading his newsletters - lots of great information!

Thanks for the tip on Klehm (Song Sparrow I guess they are now...). I never think to look at their catalog or order from them, because they are SO expensive for what you get. But if they have this plant (as well as Cornus controversa 'Jeanine'), I guess I will be ordering from them in the spring.