Witch hazel (Hamamelis × intermedia 'Sunburst')
Hamamelis × intermedia 'Sunburst' is a low-maintenance Witch hazel prized for its striking mid-winter, lemon-yellow blooms before leaf-out.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Sunburst’ is a highly valued deciduous shrub, celebrated primarily for providing essential color during the bleakest months. This vigorous hybrid Witch hazel produces clusters of bright, lemon-yellow, spider-like flowers in mid-winter, offering visual interest well before spring awakening. Its upright, vase-shaped habit makes Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Sunburst’ an excellent structural element in the winter landscape.
Growing to a respectable 9 to 12 feet tall, this specimen thrives in average soil conditions provided they drain well. While it tolerates partial shade, achieving the best performance and most vibrant blooms for your Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Sunburst’ requires a location receiving full sun exposure. Gardeners appreciate this plant for its low maintenance requirements combined with its unique seasonal appeal.
The autumn foliage also contributes significant value, transforming to attractive yellow-orange hues before dropping. As a substantial shrub, it functions well as a specimen, screen, or structural component in mixed borders, making it a versatile choice for winter interest.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Hamamelidaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 9-12 ft
- Spread: 6-8 ft
- Bloom Time: January to February
- Bloom Description: Yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Sunburst’ is best done in the spring or early fall, allowing the roots time to establish before harsh conditions arrive. Locate shrubs where they receive full sun for optimal flowering; partial shade is tolerated, but may reduce bloom density. This Witch hazel prefers moist, acidic, organically rich soils, though it shows some tolerance for clay soils, provided drainage is excellent.
Maintain consistent moisture, particularly during summer; insufficient water can lead to leaf scorch. Fertilization is usually unnecessary if the soil is rich, but a spring mulch application will help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Pruning should be executed promptly in the spring immediately following the bloom period to maintain shape and size control.
A critical care point for all grafted Witch hazels, including this cultivar, is monitoring for suckers. Promptly remove any root suckers growing from below the graft union to ensure the desired ‘Sunburst’ variety remains dominant. Its low maintenance level makes it a rewarding addition once established.
Landscape Uses
The Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Sunburst’ excels as a superior winter-flowering specimen, making it indispensable for adding structure and light during dormant months. Its size lends itself perfectly to screening solutions or as a statement piece in a woodland garden setting where its winter sparkle will be highlighted by the surrounding bare structure.
When incorporated into shrub borders, it provides an essential transition between the late-season interest of evergreens and the early spring bulbs. Pair this Witch hazel with masses of late-blooming winter perennials or early spring bulbs that emerge after its flowering period concludes, ensuring year-round visual succession in the garden space.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Hamamelis × intermedia hybrids are crosses between Japanese witch hazel (H. Japonica) and Chinese witch hazel (H. Mollis), resulting in a loosely-branched, medium to large deciduous shrub notable for its spidery, mid-winter flowers that emerge before the foliage. The cultivar ‘Sunburst’ specifically features clusters of lemon-yellow, spider-like flowers with narrow petals up to 1 inch long, appearing reliably in late January through February. Its broad-oval, bright green leaves provide good summer texture before transitioning into attractive yellow-orange fall color.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Erosion
- Clay Soil
Potential Problems
Insect impact on Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Sunburst’ is generally minor, though you should inspect leaves for chewing damage caused by caterpillars or Japanese beetles during the growing season. Watch also for sap-sucking insects such as scale, gall aphids, leafrollers, and leafminers, although serious infestations requiring chemical intervention are rare for this Witch hazel. Fungal issues like powdery mildew may occasionally appear, alongside minor leaf spots or rot, especially in overly damp or poorly drained sites; good air circulation remains the best preventative measure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Witch hazel suitable for?
Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Sunburst’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 8.
How large does Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Sunburst’ grow?
This cultivar typically reaches a mature height between 9 and 12 feet, with a spread of 6 to 8 feet wide.
When does Witch hazel bloom?
This stunning variety blooms quite early, typically from late January into February, displaying its yellow, spidery flowers.
What sun exposure does Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Sunburst’ need?
For the best and most abundant winter blooms on your Witch hazel, plant it in full sun, though it will tolerate part shade conditions.
Conclusion
The low-maintenance requirement and spectacular mid-winter bloom sequence solidify Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Sunburst’ as a cornerstone plant for winter garden structure. This exceptional Witch hazel delivers on color when the landscape needs it most, backed by attractive summer leaves. Before planting, confirm your site offers the required medium moisture and good drainage to ensure this specimen thrives for years to come.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for your Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Sunburst’, focus on species that either provide strong contrast during the winter or bloom later in the season. Consider planting early-blooming bulbs like Snowdrops (Galanthus) or Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) nearby; these emerge just as or immediately after the Witch hazel finishes flowering, extending the early-season interest. Evergreen shrubs, particularly upright yews or boxwood, provide excellent dark green backdrops that make the bright yellow blooms of the Hamamelis truly pop against the winter scene.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring is the prime time for shaping this shrub; prune Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Sunburst’ immediately after flowering concludes to manage its size and promote density, removing crossing or damaged branches. In the summer, focus keenly on consistent watering, especially during drought periods, to prevent leaf scorch associated with dry spells. Fall is a time for cleanup, removing fallen leaves to reduce overwintering fungal spores, though the attractive yellow fall color is worth enjoying first. Winter requires observing the plant for pest activity, mainly inspecting new growth for scale insects, but otherwise enjoying the spectacular floral show.
