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TreesShrubsSynonym

Hamamelis mollis 'Brevipetala'

witch hazel 'Brevipetala'

A deciduous shrub or small tree to 4m high, with ascending branches creating a vase-shaped form. Leaves are broadly ovate, mid to dark green, softly hairy with broadly serrated margins, and turn shades of yellow in autumn. Produces dense clusters of very fragrant flowers on bare stems in late winter and early spring, each with four short, narrow, golden yellow petals

Synonyms
Hamamelis mollis 'Brevipetala'
Hamamelis mollis 'Jim Wells'
see moreHamamelis mollis 'Aurantiaca'

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green Yellow
Winter Yellow
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Hamamelidaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright, 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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile soil with good drainage, in an open but not exposed position. Prefers neutral to acid soil; 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
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to coral spot, honey fungus, phytophthora root rot and powdery mildews

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