Hamamelis mollis ‘Wisley Supreme’ (Chinese Witch Hazel)

Hamamelis mollis ‘Wisley Supreme’ (Chinese Witch Hazel) is a vigorous, medium to large deciduous shrub or small tree with sweetly-scented, pale yellow flowers from mid to late winter. Each flower consists of 4 golden ribbon-like, fairly straight, slightly crimped, strap-shaped petals and a red calyx. 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. Upright, more spreading with age, this Chinese Witch Hazel sports broadly ovate or rounded leaves, which emerge yellowish-green, mature to dark green in summer, and turn an attractive yellow in fall.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• 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.
• 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 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.
• Prune in spring after flowering if you need to control shape and size.
• Propagate by grafting.
• Hamamelis mollis is native to forests and thickets in southeastern and southwestern China.