Chinese Witch Hazel
Hamamelis mollis
Family: Hamamelidaceae · Also called Chinese Hazel, Hamamelis mollis, Hamamelis mollis var. oblongifolia, Hamamelis virginiana var. japonica
Earthy & Warm · Winter bloomer
Chinese witch hazel unfurls its spidery, ribbon-like petals in the depths of winter, clusters of fragrant golden-yellow flowers with crimpled, strap-shaped petals that curl and uncurl with temperature, clinging to bare grey branches. The effect is of sunshine captured in botanical form, months before spring arrives.
mysticism, magic, renewal
In the Victorian language of flowers, chinese witch hazel means “Magic and mystical power”. Introduced to Western gardens in 1879 by Charles Maries collecting for Veitch Nurseries. The hybrids between this and the Japanese species (H. × intermedia) produced the now-famous cultivars 'Jelena,' 'Diane,' and 'Pallida' that transformed winter gardens. The autumn leaf color of golden yellow and copper is almost as valuable as the flowers.
Did You Know?
Witch hazel petals curl up tightly in frost and re-expand when temperatures rise, this mechanism protects the reproductive parts while allowing pollination during brief mild spells. The hybrid cultivar 'Pallida' was propagated from a single plant raised at the RHS Garden Wisley in 1932 and became the most popular winter-flowering shrub in British gardens.
Mountain forests and rocky slopes of Hubei and Jiangxi provinces
Chinese Witch Hazel is native to Central China. It naturally grows in mountain forests and rocky slopes of hubei and jiangxi provinces.
Scent Profile
“A sweet, spicy perfume with warm citrus notes, stronger and sweeter than the American species, Chinese witch hazel's scent on a mild winter day is one of gardening's great pleasures.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameHamamelis mollis
- FamilyHamamelidaceae
- Native ToCentral China
- Bloom SeasonWinter
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
Introduced to Western gardens in 1879 by Charles Maries collecting for Veitch Nurseries. The hybrids between this and the Japanese species (H. × intermedia) produced the now-famous cultivars 'Jelena,' 'Diane,' and 'Pallida' that transformed winter gardens. The autumn leaf color of golden yellow and copper is almost as valuable as the flowers.