ShrubsHamamelis mollis
Chinese Witch Hazel
Chinese Witch Hazel is a remarkable shrub that blooms in the depths of winter with fragrant, spider-like yellow flowers on bare branches. The delicate blooms withstand frost and bring welcome colour to the darkest months. In autumn, the large leaves turn spectacular yellow and orange.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Water
- Medium
- Height
- 200–400 cm
- Spread
- 200–400 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 5–8
- Family
- Hamamelidaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- yellow
- Wildlife value
- bees
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in sun or partial shade in humus-rich, moist but well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Avoid calcareous soil. Mulch annually with leaf mould. The shrub grows slowly and needs no additional feeding. Shelter from cold, drying winds.
Pruning tips
Prune as little as possible — witch hazel grows slowly and has a naturally attractive shape. Only remove dead or damaged wood immediately after flowering. Never prune during the season to avoid disrupting next year's flower bud formation.
Good companions
PerennialsHelleborus orientalis
Lenten Rose
The Lenten Rose is one of the first bloomers of the garden year, with saucer-shaped flowers in purple, pink or white appearing as early as February. The evergreen, palmate foliage forms attractive clumps that remain decorative year-round. The plant is a valuable early nectar source for bees.
Bulbs & tubersGalanthus nivalis
Snowdrop
The Snowdrop is one of the very first spring bloomers, often appearing while snow still lies on the ground. The graceful, bell-shaped white flowers hang from slender stems and herald the end of winter. The bulbs multiply rapidly and eventually form beautiful white carpets.
ShrubsCornus kousa
Japanese Dogwood
Japanese Dogwood is an elegant large shrub or small tree with striking white bracts that sit like stars on the branches in June and July. In autumn, raspberry-shaped red fruits appear and the foliage turns deep crimson. The horizontal branching pattern gives the tree year-round character.