Hybrid Witchhazel

Hamamelis (ham-ah-MAY-lis in-ter-MEE-dee-uh)

Family: Hamamelidaceae Unknown Understory (15-40 ft)

This shrub or small tree is an artificial hybrid between H. japonica and H. mollis which has many attractive cultivars available. It is an upright or wide-spreading tree, not densely branched but with multiple stems. Plant in the full sun to partial shade, in moist, fertile, well-drained acidic soil. This shrub needs space to grow and should not be crowded. Depending on the cultivar, the blooms are fragrant and yellow to orange or red and appear in winter or early spring before new leaves emerge. Fall leaf color is yellow to red, depending on the cultivar. Fall eaves may turn brown but not drop, which detracts from the floral display. Plant in small groups as a specimen planted in a shrub border, as a hedge or screen, in a woodland or winter garden. The plant does tolerate pruning, but keep in mind that flowers will appear on old growth. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This hybrid Witch Hazel is generally problem-free with respect to insects and diseases. Caterpillars, Japanese beetles, leaf gall aphids, weevils, scale, leafroller, and leafminer are occasional insect pests. Powdery mildew, occasional leaf spots, and rots are diseases to watch for. Quick ID Hints : wedge-shaped leaves, serrated on top half, 5-8 vein pairs, base oblique showy, spider-like late winter flowers in red or yellow petals ligulate VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I: Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II: Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 55 attributes.