In the dead of winter it is indeed a treat to see the vibrant tones of Hamamelis flowers dancing on unique zigzagging branches. Bright yellow, orange or red spidery flowers have a spicy fragrance that is enough to warm you from nose to toes!
Witch Hazels develop nice green leaves where the crinkles of the veins look as though someone folded them perfectly across an axis. Autumn may really be the beginning of the season for Hamamelis however, because their leaves turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, red or purple before falling to reveal their unique architectural structure.
This is a large group of Witchhazels created by breeding Hamamelis mollis with Hamamelis japonica. All varieties grow 12-15' tall and often wider. Sun-part shade, Zone 5.
Sweetly fragrant rich gold flowers with reddish brown sepals bloom on bare branches in January-February. Excellent for winter arrangements. Green leaves turn pure gold before falling in autumn.
Hamamelis mollis ‘Pallida’ is the variety most likely to be found in garden centers. Vase shape large shrub. Grows 10-15', sun-part shade, Z5
Small fragrant golden yellow flowers appear in autumn. Their flowers sometimes get lost in yellow to orange fall color. Grows slowly to 10-15’ tall and wide sometimes to 25’ tall. Open spreading habit and slow growth. This is the source of medicinal witch hazel.
Read up on some of our favorite shrubs and remember, this is only a smattering of the variety of shrubs we carry all year long! Note: Viewing a Native Plant will take you into our Native Plant section.