Hamamelis mollis (Chinese Witch Hazel)

Hamamelis mollis (Chinese Witch Hazel) is a medium to large, upright, rounded, deciduous shrub or small tree with strongly fragrant, brilliant golden-yellow flowers in late winter. Each flower consists of 4 golden ribbon-like, crinkled, strap-shaped petals. Clustered along the leafless branches, the flowers unfurl their spidery petals on mild days. But on cold days, they curl up again and nearly close up to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. The straggling branches are covered with nearly black bark and clothed with broadly oval green leaves, downy underneath, which turn attractive shades of yellow in fall. Native to southeastern and southwestern China, the Chinese Witch Hazel boasts the most fragrant flowers of all witch hazels.

• Grows up to 10-15 ft. tall and wide (300-450 cm).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Prefers organically rich, moist, acidic soils. Best flowering in full sun. Performs best with consistent moisture and may suffer from leaf scorch in hot, dry summers.
• Mass in mixed shrub borders for dramatic winter blooms. Great flowering shrub for woodland gardens or as a screen and hedge. Perfect as a specimen plant.
• Low maintenance, this plant is generally pest-free. Keep an eye out for honey fungus and coral spot.
• Deer: Witch hazel is generally considered to be deer-resistant due to its bitter taste and strong scent. However, it is important to note that deer browsing habits can vary depending on factors such as the time of year, availability of other food sources, and the specific population of deer in the area.
• Promptly remove any suckers to prevent spread.
• No regular pruning is required. Simply remove any dead, damaged, or weak shoots. Prune in spring after flowering if you need to control shape and size.
• Propagate by simple layering of suitable shoots in spring, by grafting in late winter or by chip budding in late summer.
• Hamamelis mollis is native to forests and thickets in southeastern and southwestern China.