Plant Focus: Hamamelis (Witch Hazel)
A winter-flowering shrub for colour, fragrance, and seasonal reliability
Hamamelis is a small genus of deciduous shrubs and small trees best known for its unusual winter flowers, rich autumn colour, and strong architectural shape. Often called witch hazel, Hamamelis is valued in UK landscaping because it provides genuine seasonal interest at times when many planting schemes are at their weakest. In mid to late winter, when borders can look flat and most shrubs are dormant, Hamamelis produces clusters of fine, ribbon-like flowers along bare branches. These blooms can appear from late autumn through to early spring depending on the variety, and they bring colour, movement, and often a light fragrance into the landscape.
Botanically, Hamamelis belongs to the family Hamamelidaceae, and is closely associated with woodland habitats. In nature, these shrubs often grow at woodland edges, where they receive shelter from strong winds and benefit from moisture-retentive soils rich in leaf litter. This woodland background helps explain why Hamamelis performs best in similar garden and landscape conditions, such as lightly shaded planting, woodland-style borders, and mixed shrub beds where soil structure is improved with organic matter. Unlike many winter interest plants that rely on berries or evergreen foliage, Hamamelis delivers its impact through flowering and form, which makes it especially useful in planting schemes that need winter colour without relying on conifers or evergreen blocks.
The genus is native to North America and eastern Asia, with species such as Hamamelis virginiana found in the United States, and Hamamelis japonica and Hamamelis mollis originating in Japan and China. These species were introduced into cultivation for their seasonal interest, and many modern garden forms are hybrids developed to improve flower colour, scent, and reliability. The most widely planted types in the UK are often hybrids of Hamamelis japonica and Hamamelis mollis, known as Hamamelis x intermedia. These cultivars tend to have larger flowers, stronger fragrance, and more consistent performance in UK conditions, making them popular choices for landscape design.
Hamamelis also has a long history of human use. In North America, extracts from Hamamelis virginiana have been used traditionally in herbal preparations, and witch hazel remains widely known as a natural ingredient in skincare products. The common name “witch hazel” is thought to relate to the plant’s historic association with “witching” or water divining rods, as well as the hazel-like appearance of its leaves. The botanical name Hamamelis comes from Greek, referencing the apple-like fruit, which is an interesting detail because Hamamelis can flower while still carrying developing seed capsules from the previous season. This overlap of flowering and fruiting is one of the features that makes the genus distinctive.
In planting design, Hamamelis is most effective when treated as a specimen shrub. It is not a plant that is usually clipped or tightly controlled, and it benefits from being allowed to develop a natural branching shape. Planted near paths, entrances, or seating areas, it provides winter colour at close range, where the fine detail of the flowers and the fragrance can be fully appreciated. It also combines well with shade-tolerant underplanting such as hellebores, ferns, and early bulbs, helping to create a layered winter and early spring display.
Key Characteristics of Hamamelis
✓ Deciduous shrub or small tree
✓ Winter flowering, often from December to March
✓ Ribbon-like flowers in yellow, copper, or red tones
✓ Often lightly fragrant, especially in milder weather
✓ Strong autumn foliage colour in yellow, orange, and red shades
✓ Slow-growing, long-lived, and best left unpruned
✓ Ideal as a specimen shrub for borders and woodland planting
Did You Know?
Hamamelis is one of the few shrubs that can flower in the depths of winter, often opening its blooms on mild days when very little else is in flower. This makes it valuable for pollinators that remain active during winter periods, including some bees and hoverflies.
Popular Hamamelis varieties for UK landscaping
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena’
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena’
Copper-orange winter flowers with a light fragrance. Autumn foliage turns rich orange and red, often lasting well into late autumn. Upright habit with good branching structure. Useful as a focal shrub in mixed borders and woodland planting.
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’
Pale sulphur-yellow flowers with a strong scent, particularly noticeable on mild winter days. Reliable flowering and clean growth habit. Autumn colour typically bright yellow with occasional orange tones. Works well near paths where fragrance can be appreciated.
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Diane’
Deep red to crimson flowers, often appearing from mid-winter onwards. Strong seasonal presence and rich autumn leaf colour in orange and red shades. Compact to medium size, useful for smaller gardens or tighter planting spaces.
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Diane’
Hamamelis mollis
Hamamelis mollis
Yellow winter flowers with a pronounced fragrance. Flowers can appear from late autumn onwards in mild years. Broad, natural habit and strong autumn colour. Suitable for woodland-style planting and informal schemes.
Hamamelis virginiana
A North American species that typically flowers later than many hybrids, often in late autumn. Yellow flowers with a subtle scent and a looser, more natural form. Useful for wildlife-focused schemes and naturalistic planting.
Hamamelis japonica
Early-flowering species with soft yellow flowers and a delicate form. Generally slower growing and best suited to sheltered sites. Autumn colour is often golden yellow. Works well in specimen planting where space allows for natural growth.
Hamamelis virginiana
Hamamelis japonica
How to grow and care for Hamamelis
Hamamelis grows best in moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions and can struggle in shallow, chalky, or very dry soils unless improved. A sheltered position is ideal, as strong winds can reduce flower quality and dry the soil during winter. Full sun encourages stronger flowering and more vivid autumn colour, though light shade is tolerated, especially in woodland-style planting schemes.
Hamamelis is slow-growing and should be planted with enough space to develop naturally. It does not respond well to hard pruning, and cutting back heavily can reduce flowering and spoil its natural shape. Maintenance is usually limited to removing dead or crossing branches after flowering. Mulching annually helps maintain moisture levels and improve soil structure over time, supporting long-term performance.
Pests and diseases to look out for
Hamamelis is generally robust and rarely suffers serious pest or disease problems. Most issues occur when the plant is stressed, such as during prolonged drought, exposure to strong winds, or planting in poorly drained ground. Leaf scorch can occur in hot, dry conditions, while waterlogging may reduce vigour and limit flowering. Aphids can sometimes appear on soft new growth in spring, but infestations are usually minor and do not cause lasting damage. Consistent soil moisture, good drainage, and minimal pruning are usually enough to keep Hamamelis healthy.
Hamamelis is one of the most valuable shrubs for winter interest in UK landscapes. Its distinctive flowers, strong seasonal character, and reliable autumn colour make it ideal for planting schemes that need structure and colour throughout the year. With the right soil conditions and a sheltered position, it offers long-term performance with minimal maintenance, bringing fragrance and seasonal detail to the landscape at a time when it is most appreciated.
To learn more about the types of Hamamelis we grow and sell, speak to the G Team today.