Hamamelis mollis Seeds | Chinese Witch Hazel
LATIN NAME: Hamamelis mollis
COMMON NAME: Chinese Witch Hazel, Witch Hazel
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Chinese Witch Hazel (Hamamelis mollis) stands out as a deciduous shrub, native to woodlands of the east, while it has been cultivated in gardens for its winter flowers. Established plants reach around Five metres. Plants that offer this much while asking this little are rare enough to treasure.
Science & Biotechnology
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Hamamelis mollis, a representative of the Hamamelis group with clear practical value. The Chinese witch hazel has a real and distinguished place in research. A long cultivation history means growers know what to expect from it.
Uses & Benefits
Chinese Witch Hazel brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. The Chinese witch hazel is a deciduous shrub of woodlands and gardens, bearing fragrant, yellow, strap-shaped flowers which open on bare branches in late winter and early spring. Its early flowers feed bees and pollinating insects which emerge on warm winter days, and its spreading, graceful habit gives a fine presence in woodland garden and border, while its autumn colour adds a further season of interest. To raise the Chinese witch hazel, sow seeds in pots of moist, open soil in a cool, shaded place, keep them gently watered, and grow little shrubs on in the light. Given the right start, it carries on with minimal intervention.
Witch hazel bark and leaf yield the world’s classic astringent distillate, used for generations on skin irritations, bruises and veins; it remains official in pharmacopoeias, and the winter flowers are garden gold.
Growing from Seed
Chinese Witch Hazel grows readily from seed. Surface-sow onto a light, well-drained compost, dust over a thin covering, and keep evenly moist and sunny until the seedlings show. The seed responds well to a cool, moist stratification period, which helps it break dormancy evenly. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Few garden plants carry such a documented history of use as this one does. Chinese Witch Hazel, Witch Hazel has real presence in the garden without demanding much in return. Established seedlings need little beyond ordinary attention.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Chinese Witch Hazel often pair it with these related subjects: