Chinese witch hazel Hamamelis mollis 'Wisley Supreme'
ABOUT
The Hamamelis mollis 'Wisley Supreme', commonly known as the Chinese witch hazel, is a captivating plant well-regarded for its unique and striking appearance, particularly due to its beautiful flowers. This variety is prized for its profuse and fragrant blooms which are typically a pale to bright yellow color. The flowers feature narrow, ribbon-like petals that have a crinkled texture, resembling shreds of thin, delicate fabric radiating from the center of the flower. These petals can sometimes show hints of red at their bases, adding to the visual appeal of the blooms. Adorning the branches of Chinese witch hazel, these flowers blossom in the late winter to early spring, a time when much of the garden is still dormant. This creates an enchanting contrast against the barren landscape. The blossoms are not only visually striking but also emit a sweet, spicy fragrance that can be quite noticeable, bringing an additional sensory delight to the garden during a season when few other plants are in flower. The leaves of the Chinese witch hazel are also noteworthy. They are broad, oval-shaped, and have a slightly wavy edge. The foliage is a deep green color that provides a lush backdrop for the yellow flowers when they are in bloom. In the fall, the leaves change color, transitioning to beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and red, offering additional seasonal interest as they provide a striking autumn display. Overall, the combination of its fragrant winter flowers and attractive foliage makes the Chinese witch hazel 'Wisley Supreme' a standout plant, offering beauty and interest throughout multiple seasons. The plant's unique characteristics make it a coveted addition to gardens where it can be appreciated for both its aesthetic qualities and its contribution to the winter landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hamamelidaceae
Synonyms
Chinese Witch Hazel, Wisley Supreme Witch Hazel
Common names
Hamamelis mollis 'Wisley Supreme'.
ToxicityTo humans
Witch Hazel is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence to suggest that Hamamelis mollis 'Wisley Supreme' would cause poisoning if ingested. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or reactions can occur, and it is generally not recommended to consume parts of ornamental plants.
To pets
Witch Hazel is not generally considered toxic to pets. The Hamamelis mollis 'Wisley Supreme' variety similarly does not have a reputation for being poisonous to animals. If a pet were to ingest parts of the plant, it is unlikely to cause significant symptoms of poisoning. Nevertheless, to ensure safety, it is always best to prevent pets from eating non-food plants as they can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
12 feet (3.66 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3.05 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Hamamelis mollis 'Wisley Supreme', commonly known as Chinese witch hazel, features striking yellow, fragrant flowers that bloom in winter when few other plants do.
- Winter Interest: Its vibrant, ribbon-like flowers provide a burst of color during the dull winter months.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers produce nectar that is attractive to early-foraging bees and other beneficial insects.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Chinese witch hazel requires minimal care, aside from occasional pruning to maintain shape and remove any dead wood.
- Drought Tolerance: It is relatively tolerant of dry spells, making it suitable for gardens with less water availability.
- Deciduous Appeal: In autumn, the foliage turns a striking golden-yellow to orange, adding autumnal interest to the landscape.
- Adaptability: This plant can adapt to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained, acidic to neutral soil.
- Non-Invasive: Unlike some other species, Chinese witch hazel is not known to be invasive in gardens or natural areas.
Medical Properties- Astringent: The extracts from Witch Hazel, which includes Hamamelis mollis 'Wisley Supreme', are known for their astringent properties and have been traditionally used to tone skin and reduce inflammation.
- Anti-inflammatory: Witch Hazel has been used to decrease inflammation and soothe irritated skin.
- Hemostatic: The plant's astringent properties also contribute to its use in stopping minor bleeding.
- Skin care: Witch Hazel is often included in products aimed at treating acne, due to its ability to tighten skin and reduce swelling.
- Varicose veins: The extracts are sometimes used as a topical treatment for varicose veins, given their astringent and soothing properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photographic backdrop - The rich yellow blooms of Witch Hazel make a stunning backdrop for outdoor photography, especially in winter when it's in full bloom.
- Natural sunblock - Some gardeners plant Witch Hazel as a protective canopy for shade-loving plants, utilizing its sparse winter canopy to filter the harsh winter sun.
- Educational tool - Witch Hazel is used in botany classes to illustrate the evolutionary adaptation of winter flowering in plants.
- Cut branches for decor - Branches of Witch Hazel, with their whimsical ribbon-like petals, can be cut and used to create visually appealing arrangements in vases or as part of wreaths.
- Garden structure - When not in leaf, the plant's unique branching pattern adds structural interest to the winter garden landscape.
- Natural fencing - With careful pruning and training, Witch Hazel can be grown as a natural, decorative garden partition or screen.
- Artistic muse - The unusual flowers and seed pods of Witch Hazel have inspired botanical illustrators and artists, with their forms appearing in various works of art.
- Fragrance source - Although not typical, the plant's blooms have a light fragrance and can contribute to the overall sensory garden ambiance.
- Seasonal indicator - Witch Hazel is often used to signal the transition into late fall and winter in temperate gardens, showing a visible seasonal change while many other plants are dormant.
- Wildlife shelter - While not a primary use, Witch Hazel can provide shelter for birds and small mammals in the garden during the wintertime.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Witch Hazel is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Witch Hazel is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Hamamelis, commonly known as Witch Hazel, is often associated with protection due to its historical use for dowsing and divining, which were believed to guard against harm and negative influences.
- Healing: Witch Hazel has been used for its medicinal properties to treat skin irritations and inflammation, symbolizing healing and the soothing of wounds, both physical and emotional.
- Natural intuition: The divinatory uses of Witch Hazel branches in the past also imply a connection to intuition and the acknowledgment of one's inner voice or guidance.
- New beginnings: Flowering in the late winter, Witch Hazel can symbolize the anticipation of new beginnings and hope, as it is one of the first plants to bloom signaling the coming of spring.
- Unique charm: The distinct, spidery blooms of Witch Hazel during a season when few other plants flower can represent the beauty in standing out and embracing one's unique characteristics.
WaterThe Witch Hazel 'Wisley Supreme' prefers consistently moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. In the first growing season, to establish a deep and extensive root system, water the plant deeply once a week with about 2 gallons of water. Once established, the Witch Hazel is quite drought tolerant, generally requiring less frequent watering. Adjust the frequency to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged, especially during prolonged dry spells. In the absence of rainfall, a good rule of thumb is to provide the Witch Hazel with 1 to 2 gallons of water every two weeks, although this can vary depending on climate conditions.
LightWitch Hazel 'Wisley Supreme' prefers full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for these plants is where they can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight a day, with some afternoon shade to protect them from the intense heat. If planted in too much shade, the Witch Hazel may not bloom as vigorously. Choose a location that provides morning sunlight with dappled afternoon light or light shade for the best growth and flowering results.
TemperatureWitch Hazel 'Wisley Supreme' is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It typically thrives in areas where winter temperatures do not dip below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The maximum temperature it can tolerate is around 95 degrees Fahrenheit without adverse effects. However, the ideal temperature range for the Witch Hazel is between 30 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme temperatures outside of this range might negatively affect the plant's health and blooming.
PruningPruning Witch Hazel 'Wisley Supreme' is generally done to shape the plant or to remove any broken or diseased wood. The best time to prune is in the spring, after the Witch Hazel has finished blooming to avoid cutting off next season's flower buds. Light pruning can be done annually, but a more extensive prune should be done every 3 to 5 years. Remove any crossing or rubbing branches to maintain good air circulation within the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilChinese witch hazel (Hamamelis mollis 'Wisley Supreme') thrives best in well-drained, loamy soil, rich in organic matter. A balanced mixture of two-parts garden soil, one-part peat or well-rotted compost, and one-part perlite or coarse sand is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.
RepottingChinese witch hazel (Hamamelis mollis 'Wisley Supreme') is a slow-growing shrub and does not need frequent repotting. It should be repotted only when it has outgrown its current container, which may be every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingChinese witch hazel (Hamamelis mollis 'Wisley Supreme') prefers moderate to high humidity levels, but it is adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity as well. Aim for humidity levels around 40-60% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and good airflow for indoor Chinese witch hazel.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, sheltered location, and mulch soil for outdoor Chinese witch hazel.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Chinese witch hazel 'Wisley Supreme' begins its life as a seed, which, once germinated, grows into a young sapling. In its juvenile stage, the plant focuses on developing a strong root system and vegetative growth, producing leaves and branches. Reaching maturity after several years, it starts to bloom typically in late winter to early spring, before the emergence of leaves, displaying fragrant yellow flowers with long, ribbon-like petals. Following pollination by insects attracted to its scent and color, the plant develops seed capsules that mature in autumn, eventually splitting open to disperse seeds for reproduction. The plant continues its life cycle annually by entering a period of dormancy in winter, during which it conserves energy and prepares for the next flowering season. With proper care, the Chinese witch hazel 'Wisley Supreme' can live for several decades, going through cycles of growth, flowering, seed production, and dormancy.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter
The most popular method for propagating the Chinese witch hazel 'Wisley Supreme' is by taking softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer. To do this, a gardener would cut a piece of the plant's new growth, typically about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, ensuring at least two or three sets of leaves are on the cutting. The bottom leaves are removed, and the cut end may be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. This treated cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, with the bottom half of the cutting buried in the soil. The environment should be kept humid by covering the container with a plastic bag or using a misting system and placed in indirect sunlight. Roots usually develop within 6 to 8 weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to normal conditions and eventually transplanted outside.
