Hamamelis mollis Pallida - Witch Hazel

It is rare to find winter-flowering bushes that match the spectacular flamboyance of the 'Pallida' Witch Hazel. While the garden is dormant, waiting for spring, Pallida surprises with its remarkable yellow-sulphur flowers that give off a delightful fragrance. The Witch Hazel 'Pallida' is a true feast for the senses! It adds elegance to the garden in spring and summer with its long branches and medium green foliage. Its leaves blaze in bright yellow in autumn - a bold nod to the upcoming winter spectacle.

The Hamamelis mollis, also known as the Chinese Witch Hazel, is a bush from the Hamamelidaceae family. This species is recognised by its fragrance, which is more intense than in other species of the family, such as the Virginia Witch Hazel.

The 'Pallida' cultivar, very popular, has a spreading habit, wider than tall, which brings elegance to a shrub border and clarity to a dull-coloured wall. Eventually (after about ten years in the ground), it can reach a spread of 4 to 5 metres.

Sulphur-yellow flowers, tinged with purple, bloom from January to February, filling the garden with a light honey fragrance. The flowers are adorned with four petals shaped like small crumpled ribbons and are unique, making them spectacular in a winter bouquet. In summer, small oval capsules will carry their fruits, which contain two black seeds and will be dispersed when they ripen at over 5m (16 ft).

The tree's green, deciduous foliage emerges after the flowers in spring and looks similar to that of hazelnut trees despite not being part of the same botanical family. It is truly breathtaking during autumn with its stunning yellow leaves that are edged in red.

The Witch Hazel is a hardy bush that can withstand temperatures as low as -20°C. It thrives in acidic and moist soils and prefers moderate sunlight, as intense sunlight can be damaging. Protection from drying winds is also essential. It is possible to grow it in a semi-shaded area; however, the flowering may be less prominent. It's still possible to grow it in a container when young, allowing you to appreciate its stunning colours on your terrace or near entrances.

The Witch Hazel thrives in acidic soils, making it an ideal companion for other acid-loving plants with evergreen foliage and winter flowering, like Camellias, Azaleas, Dwarf Rhododendrons, Sarcococca, or Daphne. To create a stunning mass effect, you can plant it in groups of three or five. For the best view of its beauty and fragrance, plant it as a standalone tree in a pot near your house or against a backdrop of conifers, evergreen shrubs, or grasses that will enhance its delicate flower's beauty. You can also plant it with spring shrubs like Forsythia, which will take over the floral display in the garden. If you choose to plant it in a container or large pot, it can be combined with Holly, a rock garden conifer, or Spindle Tree. To accompany the foliage in autumn and spring when the Witch Hazel appears bare, you can decorate the base of the bush with Winter Heathers, Hellebores or bulbs.