Hamamelis japonica var. megalophylla

RHS Plant Profile
large-leaved Japanese witch hazel

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large-leaved Japanese witch hazel RHS
large-leaved Japanese witch hazel RHS

Synonyms

Hamamelis megalophylla
Hamamelis japonica subsp. megalophylla

Shrubs Trees

A deciduous shrub or small tree with a rounded habit. Leaves are large, broadly ovate to rounded, and dark green with toothed margins, and turn shades of orange and red in autumn. Produces flowers on bare stems in late winter and early spring, with long, narrow, very pale yellow petals and dark red sepals at the base

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

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

Position

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

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

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
Correct
Plant Range
Japan (mainland)

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow 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

Propagation

Propagate by grafting in late winter, or by budding in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

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