Sycopsis sinensis

Sycopsis sinensis or Chinese Sycopsis is a species that is still little known, originating from central and western China, similar to Witch Hazels. It forms a bush with a conical and spreading habit, with upright branches and dark green, leathery, evergreen foliage. In February and March, it is adorned with a superb and unique flowering, typical of its family, with petal-less flowers and prominent, yellow stamens tipped with red. Plant it in acidic to neutral soil to enjoy its unusual flowering and feel the arrival of spring.

Sycopsis sinensis belongs to the Hammamelidaceae family. It is native to central and western China, where it grows in mountainous or semi-mountainous areas, mainly in forests. It is a cousin of the Hamamelis, belonging to the same family and enjoying similar growing conditions. It is a shrub with a beautiful silhouette, with a conical and upright habit, and long upright branches. It reaches a height of 3 to 4 m at maturity and eventually up to 4 to 6 m in height and 3 to 4 m in width. The evergreen leaves are large, 5 to 12 cm long, elliptical to ovate, elongated, finely toothed, leathery, dark green and smooth on the upper side and slightly hairy on the underside. In late winter, it produces dense clusters of short, velvety brown, 2 to 3 cm diameter buds. These buds give rise to petal-less flowers with reddish, velvety sepals, and 10 yellow to reddish-orange anthers, forming small heads surrounded by velvety reddish-brown bracts among the leaves. It is considered frost resistant down to -15 to -18°C.

Sycopsis sinensis prefers moist, humus-bearing or ordinary to poor, acidic soil, but it can tolerate some limestone. The soil should also be light and well-drained. It can be grown in non-scorching sun or partial shade, in a sheltered position. It requires some atmospheric humidity to grow well, but it does not require any specific maintenance apart from pruning to remove damaged or dead branches. Its appeal lies in its very early and unique flowering, as well as its ornamental value. It can be grown as a hedge or in the back of a border. Pair it with Cornus, Camellias, Azaleas, or large Rhododendrons with a carpet of winter heathers mixed with hellebores.