Hamamelis × intermedia 'Gingerbread'

RHS Plant Profile
witch hazel 'Gingerbread'

Synonyms

Hamamelis × intermedia 'Fiery Orange'

Award of Garden Merit
Shrubs

A spreading, moderately vigorous shrub up to 2.5m high and 3.5m wide, with ovate-rounded green leaves 10cm long and 6.5cm wide which are flushed with maroon-purple for a few weeks after they emerge before becoming dark green, then turning yellow in autumn, and slightly scented flowers with deep purplish red calyces and deep burnt orange petals about 2cm long, redder at the base, in late winter

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Hamamelidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
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
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, neutral or preferably slightly acidic soil which is well-drained but humus-rich and moisture-retentive in summer, in full sun or partial shade, in an open position with shelter from cold drying winds, and add mulch to conserve moisture; will also tolerate soils over chalk if they are deep and humus-rich; for more advice, see witch hazel cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by layering in autumn, by grafting in late winter or early spring onto H. virginiana rootstocks, by budding in late summer, or by softwood cuttings in mid-spring in very free-draining compost with bottom heat and humid conditions (under mist or in a closed case) and not potted on until the following year

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to coral spot, honey fungus, phytophthora root rot and powdery mildews