Overview
Hamamelis x intermedia 'Early Bird' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Hamamelis, part of the Hamamelidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hamamelis x intermedia 'Early Bird' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance and flower borders and beds.
About
Hamamelis x intermedia 'Early Bird' is a bushy deciduous shrub belonging to the Hamamelis genus, known for its broadly ovate or rounded foliage that can display vibrant autumn colours. This cultivar produces fragrant flowers with four narrow petals in spring and summer, appearing on bare branches. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers sheltered positions with fertile, well-drained soil types including clay, loam, and sand, with acid to neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for cottage and informal gardens, as well as flower borders and beds.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hamamelis
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Hamamelis x intermedia 'Early Bird' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hamamelis x intermedia 'Early Bird'
- Propagation
- Simple layering, Grafting, Chip budding
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to coral spot, honey fungus, phytophthora root rot, powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hamamelis x intermedia 'Early Bird'?
Hamamelis x intermedia 'Early Bird' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hamamelis x intermedia 'Early Bird' need?
Hamamelis x intermedia 'Early Bird' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Hamamelis x intermedia 'Early Bird' hardy in the UK?
Hamamelis x intermedia 'Early Bird' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Hamamelis x intermedia 'Early Bird'?
Simple layering, Grafting, Chip budding.
More in the Hamamelis genus
- Hamamelis virginiana 'Champlin's Red'
- Hamamelis x intermedia 'Cyrille'
- Hamamelis x intermedia 'Evi'
- Hamamelis x intermedia 'Georges'
- Hamamelis japonica var. japonica
- Hamamelis japonica var. obtusata f. flavopurpurascens