description Hamamelis mollis Overview
Hamamelis mollis, commonly known as Chinese witch hazel, is a deciduous shrub native to central and eastern China. It features broad, oval leaves that turn bright yellow in the autumn, followed by highly fragrant yellow flowers that bloom in mid to late winter. The plant was introduced to Western cultivation in the late 19th century by the plant collector Charles Maries. It is frequently used as an ornamental specimen in temperate gardens for its winter blooms.
insights Ranking position
Hamamelis mollis ranks #54 of 535 in the Shrub ranking, behind Ilex verticillata, ahead of Hydrangea arborescens.
help Hamamelis mollis FAQ
When does Hamamelis mollis bloom?
Hamamelis mollis, commonly known as Chinese witch hazel, is a winter-blooming shrub that produces its vibrant yellow flowers from January to March. The spidery, fragrant flowers emerge on bare branches well before the foliage appears. This early blooming period makes it highly prized for adding winter interest to gardens.
Is Hamamelis mollis fragrant?
Yes, Hamamelis mollis is widely considered to be the most fragrant of all the witch hazel species. Its flowers emit a strong, sweet, and spicy scent that can carry across a garden on a winter breeze. This intense fragrance is one of the main reasons it was brought into Western cultivation from central China.
How large does a Chinese witch hazel shrub grow?
Hamamelis mollis is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to a mature height and spread of 10 to 15 feet. It has a spreading, vase-like growth habit and develops broad, oval green leaves. Because of its ultimate size, it requires ample space in a landscape to fully mature without heavy pruning.
Who introduced Hamamelis mollis to Western gardens?
Chinese witch hazel was introduced to Western gardens by the renowned plant collector Charles Maries in 1879. Maries was collecting specimens in central China on behalf of the famous Veitch Nurseries in England. The plant quickly became a foundational species for breeding modern witch hazel hybrids.
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