Hamamelis intermedia Barmstedt Gold

Hamamelis x intermedia Barmstedt Gold is an attractive Witch Hazel for several reasons. This bush blooms in the middle of winter, covering itself with small flowers with a spider-like grace, in a golden yellow colour marked with orange at the base. In addition to brightening up dark days, they diffuse a pleasant honey scent in the surroundings. The green leaves, resembling those of the Hazel, then appear and turn light yellow in autumn, creating colourful scenes. This bush is demanding in terms of soil, which should be at least neutral and preferably acidic, humus-bearing, and remain moist in summer, and has slow growth. That's why it is best to plant it close to the house to fully enjoy it.

Hamamelis belongs to the small family of Hamamelidaceae, mainly known to enthusiasts for a few genera such as Corylopsis, with its early yellow flowering, Fothergilla, or Loropetalum. Barmstedt Gold is a variety that has been awarded the prestigious Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society of England. It is the result of cross-breeding between Hamamelis japonica and H. mollis, originating respectively from Japan and China. The German nurseryman Hans Hachmann is the breeder and named it in honour of his hometown, Barmstedt, in the heart of the largest production area in Europe, north of Hamburg.
With slow growth, this Hamamelis will reach 1.50 m after 10 years of planting and approximately 3 m in height with the same spread at maturity. It has a very characteristic spreading habit, with initially airy branching that becomes denser with age. In January and February (between December and March depending on the climate), it produces abundant flowering in an intense golden yellow colour, while many other varieties are more sulfur yellow. The flowers, about 2 cm in diameter, are formed by thin elongated filaments that give them a spider-like appearance, or even a sea urchin-like appearance due to their dense arrangement on the branches. The centre is orange and the flowers emit a pleasant fragrance, welcome at this time of year. Although the flowers are quite small, their quantity and the absence of leaves at this season make them stand out.
When the flowering fades, the leaves appear, resembling those of hazel. Measuring approximately 10 to 12 cm in length and 6 to 8 cm in width, they are oval-shaped, dark green on the upper side and much lighter on the underside with well-marked veins. They are carried by short petioles of 1 cm and are slightly drooping. In case of drought, they droop even more and may even turn yellow. When the first autumn cold arrives, the foliage turns light yellow.

Hamamelis Barmstedt Gold will delight all those who wish to enjoy their garden all year round. It is easier than one might think to create winter scenes. In the background, plant trees with decorative bark, such as the Fascination Birch, which truly lives up to its name with its trunk ranging in colour from copper to bluish-white and its foliage turning yellow in autumn. To add an autumn touch of red and orange, a Brown Sugar Japanese Maple will fit well under the protective shade of the birch. The colour of its foliage evolves during the season, and in winter, its red wood is very decorative. Essential in your flowerbed is the Autumn Camellia (Camellia sasanqua) which will reward you with its white, pink, or red flowers, depending on the variety, in autumn or winter. The Dawn Viburnum bodnantense, whose clusters of pale pink flowers with an intoxicating fragrance also bloom in the middle of winter, will create a magnificent autumnal contrast when its foliage turns deep purple.