About
A deciduous shrub or small tree with a rounded habit. Scented flowers are produced over a long period from late winter into early spring, with long, curled golden yellow petals and reddish-purple sepals at the base. Leaves are broad and rounded, dark green with slightly scalloped edges, and dead leaves are sometimes retained on the branches over winter.
About the genus
Hamamelis are deciduous shrubs with broadly ovate or rounded leaves, sometimes colouring well in autumn, and fragrant yellow to red flowers with 4 narrow petals, borne on the leafless branches in late winter and early spring, or in autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeTrees, Shrubs
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile soil with good drainage, in an open but not exposed position. Prefers neutral to acid soil, but will tolerate deep, humus rich soils over chalk. See hamamelis cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by grafting in late winter, or by budding in late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to coral spot, honey fungus, phytophthora root rot and powdery mildews