Overview

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Arnold Promise' is a bushy, spreading branched deciduous shrub in the genus Hamamelis, part of the Hamamelidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hamamelis x intermedia 'Arnold Promise' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ornamental, winter interest and shrub borders. It is native to Hybrid of Hamamelis japonica and Hamamelis mollis.

About

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Arnold Promise' is a hybrid witch-hazel prized for winter flowering from January to March. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree in the family Hamamelidaceae that bears strap-shaped petals in shades ranging from pale to dark yellow, orange or red. Leaves are alternate, oval and can be smooth or wavy at the margin, often present alongside maturing fruit from the previous season. The flowers appear on bare or nearly bare stems, making them especially noticeable in winter light.

About the genus

Witch-hazels or witch hazels (Hamamelis) are a genus of flowering plants in the family Hamamelidaceae, with three species in North America, and one each in Japan (H. japonica) and China (H. mollis).

Wikipedia contributors, "Witch-hazel", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Witch-hazel

In the garden

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Arnold Promise' belongs to the genus Hamamelis within the Hamamelidaceae and sits among a group of witch-hazels whose wild relatives occur in North America, Japan and China. Members of this genus are deciduous shrubs or occasionally small trees; their flowers are borne on bare stems and typically have four narrow, strap-shaped petals. This cultivar flowers in January to March, providing colour when few other shrubs are in bloom. Plant this witch-hazel where its winter display can be appreciated—by an entrance, on a terrace, or as a focal point in a mixed shrub border. Flowers often appear alongside the previous year’s maturing fruit, a feature reflected in the genus name meaning "together with fruit." Light pruning immediately after flowering will control size and shape and avoids removing next winter’s blooms. Fruit form a two-part capsule that matures several months after flowering and splits to eject glossy seeds; in the genus this can send seeds several metres from the parent. Use 'Arnold Promise' where a winter-flowering specimen or an early-season structural plant is needed, and expect seasonal interest that begins before most spring-flowering shrubs.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Hamamelis

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

loamy, sandy, clay

Soil pH

acidic, neutral, alkaline

Soil moisture

moist, well-drained

Aspect

North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

sheltered, exposed

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Arnold Promise' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

deciduous shrub

Habit

Bushy, Spreading branched

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

ornamental, winter interest, shrub borders

Native to

Hybrid of Hamamelis japonica and Hamamelis mollis

Fragrance

fragrant

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Hamamelis x intermedia 'Arnold Promise'

Cultivation

Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; plant in full sun to partial shade; benefits from mulch to retain moisture.

Pruning

Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove old wood; avoid heavy pruning.

Propagation

Propagation by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by grafting.

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Coral spot, Honey fungus, Phytophthora root rot, Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions