Hamamelis japonica var. megalophylla
large-leaved Japanese witch hazel
A deciduous shrub or small tree with a rounded habit. Leaves are large, broadly ovate to rounded, and dark green with toothed margins, and turn shades of orange and red in autumn. Produces flowers on bare stems in late winter and early spring, with long, narrow, very pale yellow petals and dark red sepals at the base
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green Yellow Orange | |||
| Winter | Yellow Red |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Hamamelidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
Hamamelis are deciduous shrubs with broadly ovate or rounded leaves, sometimes colouring well in autumn, and fragrant yellow to red flowers with 4 narrow petals, borne on the leafless branches in late winter and early spring, or in autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Japan (mainland)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile soil with good drainage, in an open but not exposed position. Prefers neutral to acid soil, but will tolerate deep, humus rich soils over chalk. See hamamelis cultivation for more detailed advice
Propagation
Propagate by grafting in late winter, or by budding in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to coral spot, honey fungus, phytophthora root rot and powdery mildews
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.