Chinese witch hazel (Hamamelis mollis 'Fred Chittenden')
Chinese witch hazel, Hamamelis mollis 'Fred Chittenden', offers highly fragrant, showy yellow winter flowers and low maintenance for zones 5-8.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Hamamelis mollis ‘Fred Chittenden’, commonly known as Chinese witch hazel, is a highly valued deciduous shrub prized for its performance during the dormant season. Its primary feature is the production of abundant, intensely fragrant, golden-yellow flowers that light up the garden in mid-winter when very little else is blooming. This upright cultivar matures into an attractive medium shrub, providing structure and welcome color before spring awakenings.
Culturally, the Chinese witch hazel is relatively easy to manage, requiring only medium water and low maintenance once established in appropriate zones. It offers visual interest beyond its spectacular bloom, providing good fall color as its oval leaves turn yellow. Gardeners appreciate the Hamamelis mollis ‘Fred Chittenden’ for its ability to serve as a fragrant specimen or hedge, adding unique textural and aromatic appeal to the winter landscape.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Hamamelidaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 6-9 ft
- Spread: 4-6 ft
- Bloom Time: January to February
- Bloom Description: Yellow pedals with red at base
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
These shrubs establish best when planted in spring or fall, avoiding the heat stress of summer planting. Locate Chinese witch hazel in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. While it tolerates clay soils, excellent drainage is crucial to success. For the most vigorous flowering display from your Hamamelis mollis ‘Fred Chittenden’, ensure it receives full sun exposure; however, it will tolerate partial shade.
Once planted, maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry summers, as drought can lead to leaf scorch. Pruning should be performed selectively in the spring immediately following the bloom period to manage size and shape. A highly important cultural note is the prompt removal of any root suckers appearing below the graft union, as these can signal the invasive growth of rootstock species.
Gardeners should be mindful of winter hardiness; while generally hardy to Zone 5, protection from harsh winter winds is recommended in the coldest limits of its range to prevent flower bud damage when temperatures drop significantly below zero.
Landscape Uses
The primary aesthetic role of Chinese witch hazel is as a mid-winter focal point, thanks to its exceptionally fragrant flowers. It serves beautifully as an upright specimen plant, allowing its delicate winter blooms to be appreciated up close. Alternatively, planting several Hamamelis mollis ‘Fred Chittenden’ together easily forms an effective, fragrant hedge that screens winter views.
This shrub integrates well within woodland garden settings where it can benefit from the rich, slightly acidic soils preferred by the species. Consider pairing the Hamamelis mollis ‘Fred Chittenden’ with evergreen backgrounds, which will dramatically highlight the brilliant yellow winter flowers against dark green foliage, providing high contrast in the often monochromatic winter garden. The cut flowering stems also make an attractive addition to winter bouquets indoors.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Hamamelis mollis, commonly called Chinese witch hazel, is an open, upright medium to large, deciduous shrub which typically matures to 10-15’ tall with a rounded shape. This species produces the most fragrant flowers of all the witch hazels. The cultivar ‘Fred Chittenden’ features fragrant, golden yellow flowers (to 1/2” long) which bloom along bare stems in mid-winter before foliage emerges, with crinkly, strap-shaped petals often tinged red at the base. Its ovate-rounded leaves emerge light green, mature to flat green, and provide good yellow color in autumn.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Erosion
- Clay Soil
Potential Problems
While generally robust, Hamamelis mollis ‘Fred Chittenden’ can occasionally host minor leaf-chewing insects such as caterpillars and Japanese beetles; inspect foliage regularly and use targeted treatments if necessary. Potential sucking pests include gall aphids, scale, leafrollers, and leafminers, though infestations rarely become severe enough to warrant chemical control for the established Chinese witch hazel. Fungal issues like powdery mildew or occasional leaf spots can develop, particularly in areas with poor air circulation, but vigilant pruning after flowering helps mitigate these risks. The most significant concern is winter cold damage to the flower buds in Zone 5, especially if the shrub is sited in an exposed, windy location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Chinese witch hazel suitable for?
Hamamelis mollis ‘Fred Chittenden’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 8.
How large does Chinese witch hazel grow?
This cultivar typically reaches a mature height between 6 and 9 feet tall, with a spread of 4 to 6 feet wide.
When does Chinese witch hazel bloom?
The spectacular blooming period for Hamamelis mollis ‘Fred Chittenden’ occurs in mid-winter, specifically from January to February, before the leaves emerge.
What sun exposure does Chinese witch hazel need?
For the best flowering performance of the fragrant yellow blooms, full sun is recommended, though the plant will tolerate a part shade location.
Conclusion
The Hamamelis mollis ‘Fred Chittenden’ is an indispensable shrub for gardeners seeking reliable winter interest, delivering highly fragrant, showy yellow flowers and excellent tolerance for challenging soil types, including clay. This Chinese witch hazel variation combines fragrance, low maintenance requirements, and dependable structure, making it a worthwhile addition to any thoughtful landscape design. Before planting, confirm your location falls within USDA Zones 5-8 and plan for a sunny spot to maximize the winter floral display.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for Chinese witch hazel, focus on plants that offer contrasting textures or seasonal interest when the Hamamelis mollis ‘Fred Chittenden’ is dormant or just beginning to flower. Consider spring-flowering bulbs like snowdrops or winter aconite planted beneath the developing canopy; these provide color weeks before the shrub’s foliage fills in. Low-growing evergreen groundcovers, such as creeping junipers or hellebores, offer excellent year-round structure and contrast well with the naked, flowering branches of the witch hazel.
Pruning and Suckers
Pruning your Hamamelis mollis ‘Fred Chittenden’ is best performed right after the winter flowers fade, typically in early spring, to shape the shrub for the coming year. Focus on removing crossing branches or those poorly placed to maintain its naturally open, upright habit. The critical task, however, involves diligent removal of root suckers. If suckers appear from below the graft line, they are likely from the rootstock and must be cut cleanly back to prevent them from overtaking and ultimately replacing the desirable cultivar.
