Chinese witch hazel
hamamelis mollis
Also known as: ["Winter hazel","Chinese witch hazel"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub or small tree known for its fragrant, spidery yellow flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","seasonal color change","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Saxifragales |
| Family: | Hamamelidaceae |
| Genus: | Hamamelis |
| Botanical Name: | Hamamelis mollis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: garden border or woodland setting
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy, well-draining soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light pruning can be done in late winter if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old wood after flowering.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates light shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent leaf scorch. In hot regions, provide afternoon shade. Indoors, place near a south or west-facing window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; protect from harsh afternoon sun; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–8. Prefers cool winters (below 0°C) and moderate summers (up to 30°C).
Protect from late frosts; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilizing; water before and after feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings taken in early summer or layering.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Early summer for cuttings; late spring for layering.
Environment
Warm (20–24°C), humid, and shaded environment with indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment takes 1–2 growing seasons.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags for humidity.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the plant; heading back to shape; remove crossing or damaged branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead wood, and encourage flowering. Focus on post-flowering pruning to avoid cutting off next year’s buds.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/diseased wood; shape lightly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Hamamelis is generally slow-growing and does not require frequent repotting.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; inspect roots; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; delayed flowering or bud drop in unseasonal warmth; dieback in extreme cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop; buds may fail to open; stems can become brittle in prolonged freezing temperatures.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect with burlap in severe cold; avoid planting in exposed, windy sites.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering during prolonged heat waves.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water before/after; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas. Reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicHamamelis mollis is not toxic to cats. The plant does not contain any known toxic compounds that would harm felines if ingested or touched.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicHamamelis mollis is not toxic to dogs. There are no known toxic substances in the plant that would pose a risk to canine health upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicHamamelis mollis, commonly known as Chinese witch hazel, is not considered toxic to humans. The plant has no known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does Hamamelis mollis bloom?
A: It blooms in late winter to early spring, typically January to March.
Q: Is Hamamelis mollis deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is generally considered deer resistant.
Q: Does Hamamelis mollis require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but can tolerate full sun with adequate moisture.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Hamamelidaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
