Witch hazel (Hamamelis × intermedia 'Westerstede')
Hamamelis × intermedia 'Westerstede' is a low-maintenance Witch hazel prized for fragrant yellow flowers blooming mid-winter through early spring.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Westerstede’ is a stunning deciduous shrub, highly valued for providing dependable color during the bleakest months of the year. This specific cultivar of Witch hazel features brilliant yellow, spidery flowers that appear on bare branches from late winter until early spring. As a hybrid, it offers the best attributes of its parent species, resulting in a robust, low-maintenance specimen.
This handsome shrub offers more than just winter interest; its broad, green foliage turns a vibrant yellow in the fall, extending its aesthetic contribution. Growing to a moderate size, Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Westerstede’ proves versatile in the landscape, functioning well as a specimen or woven into a structural border. Its resilience and relatively straightforward cultural needs make it an excellent addition for gardeners seeking winter drama.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Hamamelidaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 8-12 ft
- Spread: 8-12 ft
- Bloom Time: January to March
- Bloom Description: Yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
The best time to establish your Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Westerstede’ is typically in the fall or early spring when conditions are cool. Locate this Witch hazel where it receives full sun for the absolute best flowering performance, though it tolerates partial shade. Successful cultivation relies on average, well-drained soils; while it shows some tolerance for clay soils, ensure that drainage remains unimpeded to prevent issues.
Consistent moisture is crucial, especially during the summer months, as drought stress can lead to leaf scorch. Though considered low maintenance, acidic, organically rich soils are ideal for optimum vigor. Pruning should be done selectively in the spring, immediately after the last bloom fades, primarily to manage size or shape.
A critical aspect of maintenance involves managing suckers. Promptly remove any root suckers that attempt to emerge, particularly those rising from below the graft union, to maintain the cultivar’s specific characteristics and prevent colonial spread. This simple preventative step keeps the shrub tidy and vigorous.
Landscape Uses
This Witch hazel excels as a superior winter-flowering specimen where its unique texture and color can be fully appreciated against a backdrop of other dormant plantings. Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Westerstede’ performs beautifully when integrated into shrub borders, providing structure through the cold season. It also lends itself well to woodland garden settings, benefiting from the dappled light and rich organic matter common in those environments.
Due to its mature size and upright branching, utilize this cultivar effectively as a screen or a tall, informal hedge, allowing its winter fragrance to drift across the property line. When planted near walkways or patios, its mild fragrance is easier to notice during those low-traffic winter periods. Consider pairing it with evergreen shrubs or late-flowering perennials that offer color contrast during other seasons.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Hamamelis × intermedia hybrids are crosses between Japanese witch hazel (H. Japonica) and Chinese witch hazel (H. Mollis). They are particularly noted for their spidery, often fragrant, mid- to late winter flowers which appear before the spring foliage emerges. The cultivar ‘Westerstede’ is specifically known for its upright branching habit and mildly fragrant, yellow flowers noted for having straight, ribbon-like petals. This plant transitions from winter blooms directly into bright yellow fall color, offering year-round visual interest.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Erosion
- Clay Soil
Potential Problems
While generally robust, observations for the Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Westerstede’ should include monitoring for common leaf-chewing pests like caterpillars and Japanese beetles during the growing season. Watch for potential sap-sucking issues such as gall aphids or scale, as well as less common leafrollers or leafminers. Fungal problems like powdery mildew or occasional leaf spots can occur, particularly in very humid or crowded conditions. Fortunately, these insect and disease issues are rarely severe enough to warrant intensive chemical intervention for this hardy Witch hazel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Witch hazel suitable for?
Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Westerstede’ is hardy and thrives in USDA Zones 5 through 8.
How large does Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Westerstede’ grow?
This variety typically matures to a height and spread between 8 and 12 feet.
What sun exposure does Witch hazel need?
For the most abundant and showy flowers, plant this shrub in full sun, though it tolerates part shade conditions.
When does Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Westerstede’ bloom?
This cultivar provides winter color, with yellow flowers typically appearing between January and March.
Conclusion
The Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Westerstede’ delivers exceptional late-season value, guaranteeing color and fragrance when the garden is otherwise dormant. Its combination of low maintenance, deer resistance, and flexible light tolerance ensures its place as a reliable backbone plant. Check your local USDA hardiness zone compatibility before planting this exceptional Witch hazel this coming fall or spring.
Companion Planting
Selecting companions for Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Westerstede’ is easy, given its winter bloom time. Pair it with early-flowering bulbs like snowdrops (Galanthus) or crocus that provide ground-level color right when the shrub is blooming. For later interest, incorporate late-blooming, moisture-loving shrubs such as Rhododendrons or Azaleas, as they share similar preferences for acidic, rich, moist soils.
Consider planting contrasting textures nearby; fine-needled evergreens or plants with dark foliage will make the yellow, spidery blooms of the Witch hazel stand out even more dramatically against the winter landscape. Ensure companions do not densely crowd the base of the Hamamelis to maintain good air circulation, which helps minimize potential fungal issues.
Designing with Winter Interest
Because this Witch hazel blooms bare-branched, leverage its twig display for structural interest in the winter landscape. Plant Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Westerstede’ near structures or views that are often seen in winter, such as next to a kitchen window or patio entertaining area. Its upright habit means it creates a lovely vertical accent without overwhelming smaller garden rooms.
For year-round appeal, focus on grouping the Hamamelis with deciduous trees that offer excellent bark appeal, such as maples or birches. When the Wich hazel drops its leaves, the contrasting bark textures will complement the shrub’s architectural shape during the snow months, creating a dynamic scene even between bloom cycles.
