Hamamelis mollis

Chinese witchhazel is a deciduous, flowering shrub native to western China in the Hamamelidaceae family. The genus name comes from the Greek hama for "at the same time" and melon meaning apple in reference to the occurrence of both fruit and flowers at the same time on this shrub. The species name means soft with soft hairs.

It can be grown as a large shrub or small tree reaching 10 to 15 feet tall and wide and should be pruned in spring after flowering to control the size and shape. When pruning, keep in mind that flowers will appear on old growth. Chinese witchhazel prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade, and tolerates clay soils as long as the drainage is good. However, it does best with consistent moisture and may suffer from leaf scorch in hot, dry summers. It spreads by root suckers, which should be pruned to restrain colonization.

The fragrant, yellow flowers appear in clusters from January to March, and the leaves turn yellow in the fall. There are several cultivars available.

Use this shrub in woodland and winter gardens, as a hedge, specimen or in the back of the border.

Quick ID Hints:

• Flowers in axillary clusters, 4 ligulate petals
• Deciduous shrub to small tree with zig-zag twigs
• Leaf buds and young twigs tomentose
• Native form flowers in late fall to early winter. Other species flower in late winter.
• Leaves turn yellow in fall. 

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. Caterpillars and beetles may chew on the leaves. Watch for gall aphids, scale, leafroller and leafminer. Potential diseases include powdery mildew, occasional leaf spots and rots