Family: Hamamelidaceae
Common Name: Witch Hazel

Originally from eastern Asia and North America, these five to six species of deciduous shrubs or small trees, growing between 2 and 10 m (6-33 ft) tall, produce fragrant, yellow flowers that bloom in winter or very early spring on bare branches, before the foliage appears.

Species

H. x intermedia cultivars are the most popular witch hazels the US. They are 4 m (13 ft) high, shuttlecock-shaped shrubs with yellow autumn foliage and scented, yellow, orange, copper or red flowers in the winter. A popular cultivar is 'Arnold Promise' with scented, yellow flowers.

H. japonica, Japanese witch hazel, reaches 4 m (13 ft( in height and has long, spreading branches and small, sweetly per-fumed, yellow flowers with twisted petals. The flowering branches are often used to great effect as indoor decoration.

H. mollis, Chinese witch hazel, suited to zone 6, grows to 4 m (13 ft), producing extremely fragrant, golden yellow flowers in mid and late winter. The thick, mid-green leaves, which are downy on the undersides, colour yellow in the autumn. Many new cultivars are now becoming available.

Cultivation

Hamamelis prefers cool conditions and will do well in most soils, providing it has protection from hot winds and plenty of mois­ture. Propagate from seed, which takes up to two years to germinate, or by layering, which is also slow, at the end of summer. Most species are quite slow growing.

Climate

Best in cool, moist climates. Zone 5 for most species.