Chinese witch hazel - Hamamelis mollis (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Chinese witch hazel

The most aromatic of the witch hazels, the chinese witch hazel, is grown as an ornamental plant for shrub borders or forest gardens. This fragrant shrub has rounded leaves and flowers that resemble golden yellow spiders and is praised for its fragrance.

Scientific classification

Species

Chinese witch hazel (Hamamelis mollis)

Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree, Shrub

Plant Type

Spring, Winter

Bloom Time

Summer

Harvest Time

4.5 m

Plant Height

Green, Yellow

Stem Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Winter

Growth Season

Slow

Growth Rate

Images of Chinese witch hazel

Distribution of Chinese witch hazel

Distribution Map

Chinese witch hazel originates from the temperate zones in East Asia and has been introduced to various temperate regions across the globe. Widely cultivated for its ornamental qualities, chinese witch hazel thrives in cultivation outside its native range, particularly in temperate areas that mimic its original habitat.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Forests and thickets

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Chinese witch hazel, including the following common varieties :

Chinese witch hazel 'Brevipetala'Witch-hazels 'Barmstedt Gold'Witch-hazels 'Aphrodite'Witch-hazels 'Arnold Promise'Witch-hazels 'Pallida'Witch-hazels 'Aurora'Witch-hazels 'Strawberries and Cream'Witch-hazels 'Harry'Witch-hazels 'Jelena'Witch-hazels 'Diane'

Toxicity

Chinese witch hazel is mildly toxic to humans through ingestion. All plant parts contain tannins causing stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Avoid ingestion of chinese witch hazel to prevent these symptoms.

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Quickly Identify Chinese witch hazel

Distinctive zig-zag pattern on branches

Striking yellow flowers with red-brown calyx

Velvety texture on young stems and leaf buds

Alternate leaves with toothed edge and prominent veins

Fruit persists on branches after seeds are dispersed

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Care Guide for Chinese witch hazel

Every 2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Chinese witch hazel adapts well to seasonal rainfall variations and has moderate drought tolerance. It requires watering every two weeks and prefers balanced soil moisture. Typically grown outdoors, chinese witch hazel is a deciduous plant needing careful watering during its growth phase for optimal foliage and flower health.

Fertilize: To promote chinese witch hazel's growth and blooms, apply balanced fertilizers monthly in spring and summer, bi-monthly in autumn, and none in winter. Apply within a 2-3 inch radius, water after application, and adjust based on chinese witch hazel's health and growth stage to prevent over-fertilization.

Pruning: Chinese witch hazel features vibrant yellow flowers, blooming in winter. Prune in early spring post-flowering to shape and eliminate damage. Thinning crowded branches enhances air flow and light access. Light pruning maintains aesthetics and health; avoid heavy cuts to prevent stress, ensuring robust blooms and appearance.

Propagation: Chinese witch hazel enhances gardens with fragrant yellow flowers and is propagated by sowing fresh seeds in well-draining soil. Ensure consistent moisture and protect from extremes for healthy roots. Carefully transplant established seedlings to maintain root integrity for the vibrant mature shrubs characteristic of this species.

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