Hamamelis japonica

Large shrub, 2.5-4 m tall and wide, funnel-shaped, broad crown; slow-growing.

Exceptional winter and early spring flowers, bright yellow, thread-like petals, end of February to March in full bloom depending on weather, temperatures down to -7°C do not damage the flowers, pleasant fragrance.

Brownish, unpalatable.

Reverse ovoid, often asymmetrical, pale green, in bright red, orange and then yellow in September.

Shallow with fine root system; sensitive to compaction, pavements and mechanical injuries.

Full sun to light shade; frost hardy but protected areas are recommended for the early flowers; needs wind protection.

Fresh to moist; acidic to neutral, avoids alkaline substrates; good in all well drained, humic soil.

The Japanese Witch hazel is part of the mountainous oak and pine forests in Japan. Alongside species of Quercus and especially Pinus parviflora, it also found next to Abies homolepis, Tsuga diversifolia, Japanese species of Acer, Ilex and numerous Rhododendron species and Magnolia kobus. In addition, Cornus kousa, Euonymus planipes, Skimmia japonica, and Viburnum plicatum and varieties of Hosta and species of Carex and ferns are found as undergrowth.

Zone 6b