About
A deciduous shrub or small tree, to around 3m high, with a rounded habit. Lightly scented flowers are borne on bare stems in late winter, with red-brown sepals at the base and long, narrow, slightly twisted yellow petals. Leaves are broadly oval and mid green, turning red, orange and yellow in autumn.
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
HabitBushy, Spreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City 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