Hamamelis x intermedia Arnold Promise (Witch Hazel)

A very popular variety, Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Arnold Promise’ (Witch Hazel) is a large deciduous shrub of open, vase-shaped habit with sweetly fragrant, bright yellow flowers in late winter to early spring. Each flower consists of 4 ribbon-like, crinkled, strap-shaped petals and a reddish-green calyx.

A very popular variety, Hamamelis x intermedia 'Arnold Promise' (Witch Hazel) is a large deciduous shrub of open, vase-shaped habit with sweetly fragrant, bright yellow flowers in late winter to early spring. Each flower consists of 4 ribbon-like, crinkled, strap-shaped petals and a reddish-green calyx. Clustered along the leafless branches, the flowers unfurl their spidery petals on mild days. But on cold days, they curl up again and nearly close up to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. Hardy, this upright Witch Hazel, with gracefully ascending branches, sports broadly oval green leaves, which turn attractive shades of yellow and red in fall.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Grows up to 12-15 ft. tall and wide (360-450 cm)
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Prefers organically rich, moist, acidic soils. Best flowering in full sun. Consistent moisture is best.
  • Mass in mixed shrub borders for dramatic winter blooms. Great flowering shrub for cottage gardens, woodland gardens or as a screen and hedge. Perfect as a specimen plant.
  • Low maintenance, this plant is deer resistant. Keep an eye out for coral spot and honey fungus.
  • Promptly remove any suckers to prevent spread.
  • Prune in spring after flowering if you need to control shape and size.
  • Propagate by grafting.
  • Hamamelis x intermedia is a hybrid of garden origin between Hamamelis japonica and Hamamelis mollis.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Hamamelis – Witch Hazels
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early)FallWinter
Height 12'
– 15'
(3.6m
– 4.5m)
Spread 12'
– 15'
(3.6m
– 4.5m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Clay Soil, Deer
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden