HAMAMELLIS MOLLIS

Hamamelis mollis

Common - Chinese Witch Hazel

Family HAMAMELIDACEA

Large deciduous shrub with broad, ovate, dark green leaves which are thinly hairy on top and dense underneath. The latin term mollis meaning 'soft' and refers to the felted leaves.

This shrub comes into its own in winter and I commend any plant that can produce sweet scented flowers during the coldest months of the year. The clusters of flowers are 4 petalled, bright yellow and hang on bare branches. Would suit a woodland edge, winter border, low maintenance/informal gardens and next to paths where the scent can be appreciated.

CULTIVATION

Easy to grow in an open but unexposed site. Will tolerate deep, humus-rich soils over chalk

PROPAGATION

via seed in containers once the seed is ripe, simple layering in spring, chip budding in late summer or grafting in winter.

PRUNING

In early spring remove misplaced, crossing, diseased branches and apply 5-7cm well-rotted compost or manure around the base.

Position: full sun or partial shade

Soil: moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Neutral to acid preferable.

Rate of growth: fast growing

Hardiness: fully hardy

Photo by By Bunjii2 - 本人, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3658681