Winter Blooming Witchhazels

'Primervera' witchhazel at Biltmore Estates, Asheville, NC

Starting in February, hybrid witchhazels from China, Korea and Japan begin flowering. Two of the very best are a Chinese species/cultivar called H. mollis ‘Wisley Supreme’ and a hybrid form called H. x intermedia ‘Westerstede’.

'Wisley Supreme' grows to 8 - 12 feet in height and almost the same in width. Its young branches are very upright. Its pale yellow strap-like flowers are long lasting and sweet smelling upclose. Spring-summer oval leaves posess a blue - green cast, and turn buttery yellow in the fall.

Favorite cultivar 'Westerstede' is a hybrid selection (Japanese (H. japonicum) and Chinese (H. mollis) from Germany. Westerstede bears light yellow 1- inch long ribbon-like flowers which are fragrant. Floral buds begin to open 1 - 2 weeks later than 'Wisley Supreme'. The broad 5 - 6 inch circular green leaves turn a nice buttery yellow in fall. Westerstede summer foliage possesses better leaf spot resistance than one-time favorite ‘Arnold Promise’.

Near the end of the calendar year, the U.S. native witchhazel (H. virginiana) blooms. By that time, most Americans pass by this very tall shrub/small tree with their attention set on Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Witchhazels are easy to grow in an average well-drained moist garden soil and in full sun to light shade.  A slightly acidic pH soil is preferred. Most hybrid witchhazels become tall 20 foot shrubs. Annual spring pruning is warranted to keep this vigorous shrub in check.

Most garden centers do not sell early blooming shrubs, particularly witchhazels, but plants are sold at e-nursery outlets.