Our Plant of the Month: Hamamelis mollis

The "Chinese Witch Hazel" is Blooming!
The "Chinese Witch Hazel" (Hamamelis mollis) is a woody plant species belonging to the witch hazel family (Hamamelidaceae), and it originally hails from China.

Between January and March, you can marvel at its interesting, bushy, golden-yellow flowers nestled in reddish calyces. The flower heads can reach a width of up to 4 cm (about 1.5 inches). The growth habit of Hamamelis mollis is loose and upright, yet quite expansive. It can reach a width of 200-300 cm (about 6.5-10 feet) and a height of 300-400 cm (about 10-13 feet).

The leaves of the witch hazel are oval and a shiny dark green, with the foliage turning a beautiful golden-yellow hue in autumn.

Hamamelis mollis sheds its leaves in the fall.

The Chinese Witch Hazel thrives when planted individually in the garden, with ample space and sufficient sunlight. The soil should be fresh to moist, well-draining, and slightly acidic to acidic. In its solitary position, the witch hazel is particularly showcased against darker backgrounds, such as conifers or walls.

The Chinese Witch Hazel is deep-rooted and winter-hardy.