Hamamelis intermedia

Medium to large shrub, 3-4 (5) m, 3-5 m wide, loose branching, initially loose and bushy, later fanned out to wide like a funnel, twigs always reaching upwards, never overhanging; moderately fast-growing.

Exclusivly winter or early spring flowers; flower times given are only approximate as they depend largely on (mild) winter weather, some from January or February or waiting until the end of February to beginning of April; petals spread like strings or spider webs; flowers tolerate cold down to around -10°C, hang down lifelessly from the twig during frost before recovering when temperatures rise; pleasant fragrance.

Small brownish capsules, persistent on the twigs, fruits and flowers often next to each other.

Like alders or hazels, somewhat asymmetrical, pale green; splendid autumn colours from yellow and orange to red from September to October.

Shallow, sensitive to mechanical interference, soil compaction and pavements.

Sun to light shade, few flowers in semi-shade; likes warmth, frost hardy; tolerant of urban pollution; an overall robust shrub.

Fresh to moist, sensitive to drought; acidic to slightly alkaline, but avoid chalk, likes sandy-humic, well drained soil; does not grow well in heavy substrates.

Zone 6a