About
Hamamelis mollis, the Chinese witch hazel, is a large, spreading, deciduous shrub producing broadly oval, softly hairy leaves turning yellow in autumn. In late winter, strongly fragrant, bright golden-yellow, ribbon-petalled flowers appear on bare, horizontal branches, creating one of the finest winter floral displays of any hardy shrub. A classic and essential winter garden specimen.
About the genus
Hamamelis, the witch hazels, are deciduous shrubs and small trees with broadly oval leaves that often colour well in autumn, and fragrant, ribbon-like flowers in yellow, orange or red, borne on bare branches in late winter. Among the most valuable of all winter-flowering garden shrubs.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toChina
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationEasy to grow in an open but unexposed site. Will tolerate deep, humus-rich soils over chalk
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers as soon as ripe. Propagate by simple layering of suitable shoots in spring, by grafting in late winter or by chip budding in late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to coral spot, honey fungus, phytophthora root rot and powdery mildews