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Hamamelis mollis

Chinese witch hazel

A large deciduous shrub with broad, oval leaves turning yellow in winter, and strongly fragrant, bright golden-yellow flowers in late winter

Synonyms
Hamamelis mollis var. oblongifolia
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Yellow
Winter Yellow
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Hamamelidaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
China

How to grow

Cultivation

Easy to grow in an open but unexposed site. Will tolerate deep, humus-rich soils over chalk

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers as soon as ripe. Propagate by simple layering of suitable shoots in spring, by grafting in late winter or by chip budding in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • 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

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