Hamamelis x Intermedia 'Pallida' (Witch Hazel) January 5th 

Hamamelis (Witch Hazels) can be grown in most soils that are slightly acid or neutral. As with other varieties, Hamamelis x intermedia 'Pallida' should be grown in either full sun or light shade. Hamamelis are natural 'woodland' plants, can grow to around 4m, and require very little attention by way of pruning.

Hamamelis x intermedia Pallida has gorgeous Autumn foliage colour - in keeping with most of the varieties available - ranging through all the yellow shades verging on orange. The flowers are a bright sulphur-yellow on slightly ascending branches. This shrub flowers a little earlier than H. mollis types.

Hamamelis Pallida - whilst flowering a little early - is one of the long flowering Witch Hazels and seems happy to bloom for up to two months. Whist all the Witch Hazels are hardy to winter weather, the onset of an early spring warmth will curtail the length of their flowering time.

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Pallida' rarely if ever reaches the height normally attributed to it of 12 feet.  the one in the image was 25 old at time of photograph, and was at most 9ft (3m). I have seen several others which have been near to maturity, and none showed signs of reaching their 'published size. This is mentioned, just in case the quoted height prevents gardeners from planting this very desirable Witch Hazel.

I have never found Hamamelis Pallida to be one of the better scented Witch Hazels, and this is borne out by the RHS 'AGM' citation which states that it 'has some scent', but it has many other attributes that makes it a fine addition to any garden.

The growth - whilst spreading - is not invasive or particularly shading - even though the leaves are large. It is not densely foliaged, so plenty of scope to be planted under.

Main Hamamelis Page for all the cultural requirements | Other January Flowering Plants |