Corylopsis griffithii Hemsl.

A shrub with very downy young wood. Leaves 3 to 41⁄2 in. long, 2 to 3 in. wide, broadly ovate or roundish, more or less heart-shaped at the base, long-pointed, toothed; upper surface pale green, not downy, lower one downy, especially on veins and midrib; stalk 1 to 11⁄2 in. long. Flowers pale primrose-yellow, very closely packed on pendulous spikes, 11⁄2 to 21⁄2 in. long, 3⁄4 in. wide; basal bracts very thin, silky inside, oblong, 1⁄2 to 1 in. long, those of the flowers much smaller and silky both sides; anthers purplish red. Bot. Mag., t. 6779.

Native of the Himalaya; introduced to Kew in 1879. One of the most ornamental of Corylopsis, this is, unfortunately, not hardy enough to succeed without wall protection. It may be recommended for the south-western counties.

From the Supplement (Vol. V)

This species is now included in C. himalayana Griff. (see below) as var. griffithii (Hemsl.) Morley & Chao.