Hamamelis x intermedia Barmstedt Gold (Witch Hazel)

Standing out in the landscape from a great distance, Hamamelis x intermedia 'Barmstedt Gold' (Witch Hazel) is an upright, rounded deciduous shrub with large, fragrant, deep golden-yellow flowers in late winter and early spring. Each flower consists of 4 ribbon-like, slightly twisted and crimped, strap-shaped petals and a reddish 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. The broadly oval, dark green leaves turn attractive shades of yellow in fall.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 9-12 ft. tall and wide (270-360 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.
• No regular pruning is required. Simply remove any dead, damaged, or weak shoots. Prune in spring after flowering if you need to control shape and size.
• Propagate by simple layering of suitable shoots in spring, by grafting in late winter or by chip budding in late summer.
• Hamamelis x intermedia is a hybrid of garden origin between Hamamelis japonica and Hamamelis mollis.