Hybrid Witch Hazel ( Hamamelis × intermedia ) is a cross betweenHamamelis japonica(Japanese Witch Hazel ) andHamamelis mollis(Chinese Witch Hazel ) , belonging to the Hamamelidaceae family . This hybrid has been cultivated to combine the best traits of both parent species .

As a hybrid , Hamamelis × intermediadoesn’t have a native arena in the wild ; it ’s a garden macrocosm , first formulate in Europe in the late 19th century . However , its parents are native to Asia .

The story ofHamamelis × intermediabegins with horticultural efforts to blend the vivacious , fragrant flowers ofH. molliswith the hardiness and coloration variability ofH. japonica . Introduced in the late 19th 100 , especially in England and Germany , this hybrid has become one of the most popular witch hazel for landscaping due to its ornamental qualities .

Hybrid Witch Hazel is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows to 12 to 15 foot in both peak and ranch . It ’s far-famed for its winter to early fountain bloom , with prime that can range in color from lily-livered to orange , red , and even imperial in some cultivar . The flush are fragrant , spidery , and very showy against the bare wintertime limb . Leaves are oval , with serrated edge , and call on yellow to copper in fall . Like other beldame hazel , it produces woody capsules that explosively release seeds .

This hybrid is hardy in USDA zona 5 through 8 , inheriting good cold hardiness from its parents , making it adaptable to a encompassing compass of clime , in particular where winters are cold-blooded but summer are n’t excessively hot .

With right care , Hamamelis × intermediacan live for many 10 , often over 50 years . Its deadening growth and robust nature impart to a farseeing life in well - suited environments .

Landscape role

Hybrid Witch Hazel is highly valued for various landscape applications :

Hybrid Witch Hazel (Hamamelis × intermedia): Cultivation

Selecting the Ideal Spot

Hybrid Witch Hazel expand in locations with full sunlight to partial tint . Morning sun with afternoon tad is in particular beneficial , specially in warmer clime , to protect the plant life from excessive passion while see enough luminousness for flowering .

Soil necessity

This industrial plant prefer well - drained , fat , loamy grease but is adaptable to flaxen or clay soils if drain is adequate . A slightly acidulent to electroneutral pH is ideal , but it ’s quite absolvitory . remedy wakeless clay with constituent affair can enhance drain and richness .

Planting

Plant in either spring or crepuscule . apprehend a hole twice as wide as the ancestor ball but only as deep . aim the flora so that the root apprehension is level with the soil , backfill with soil , and water well to settle the soil around the roots .

lacrimation

weewee on a regular basis during the establishment phase , which could take a couple of eld . Once established , Hybrid Witch Hazel is relatively drought - tolerant , but rich tearing during extended dry periods will hold health and blooming . ward off waterlogging , which can lead to root rot .

Mulching

give a 2 - 3 inch level of mulch around the base to help keep on ground wet , shape soil temperature , and suppress weeds . Keep mulch away from the trunk to keep moisture - relate diseases .

Pruning

Pruning is minimal , in the main for polish off dead or diseased branches or formation . The best time to prune is right-hand after flowering in previous winter or other spring before new growth starts , as it blooms on old wood . forefend excessive pruning to not compromise the next twelvemonth ’s flowers .

dressing

Typically , fertilization is n’t necessary if the soil is already fertile . If growth seems slow or the plant lack vigor , a faint practical program of a balanced , slow - outlet fertilizer in early spring can help , but avoid over - fertilizing which might lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers .

Pest and Disease Management

Hybrid Witch Hazel is generally pestilence - resistant but can now and then suffer from aphids , scale , or fungal diseases like powdery mildew in humid conditions . skilful air circulation and forfend overhead watering can prevent fungal issues . Insecticidal Georgia home boy can manage minor pest problems .

extension

Propagation can be take exception ; it ’s ordinarily done through softwood or hardwood film editing learn in former spring or crepuscule . Seeds are less ordinarily used due to the variability in offspring . Cuttings from select cultivars ensure the extension of desirable trait .

Growth Control

While not aggressively suckering like some other species , check for and remove any unwanted suckers if you need to carry off its spread or defend a specific form .

Winter Care

In its hardiness zones , it ’s cold-blooded - resistant , needing no special winter care . However , a mulch layer can protect immature plants or those in very exposed positions from Robert Lee Frost heaving .

Landscape Integration

Plant where its aroma and coloring material can be enjoyed , such as cheeseparing paths , windows , or in sensory gardens . Its wintertime blooms make it a cardinal player for stretch garden stake . Consider comrade planting with specie that bloom at different times to ply continuous garden appeal .