Chinese witch hazel (Hamamelis mollis 'Gold Edge')
Hamamelis mollis 'Gold Edge' offers late winter interest with fragrant yellow flowers. This Chinese witch hazel is a low-maintenance deciduous shrub.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Hamamelis mollis ‘Gold Edge’, commonly known as Chinese witch hazel, is an exceptional deciduous shrub valued for bringing brilliant color and fragrance to the late winter landscape. This cultivar specifically features striking variegated foliage, setting it apart from its standard green counterparts when dormant. Its ability to bloom while most trees are bare ensures it is a focal point during colder months.
This Chinese witch hazel typically matures into an open, rounded shrub perfect for providing structure in the garden. While it is quite adaptable, achieving the best flowering requires sufficient light exposure. Gardeners appreciate Hamamelis mollis ‘Gold Edge’ for its low maintenance needs and its strong performance in difficult areas, including sloping sites.
Beyond its visual appeal in winter and its unique variegated leaves, the sweet scent of the flowers contributes significantly to its appeal. Planting Hamamelis mollis ‘Gold Edge’ ensures both winter structural interest and beautiful, fragrant blooms before the spring rush begins.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Hamamelidaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 6-8 ft
- Spread: 6-8 ft
- Bloom Time: February to March
- Bloom Description: Yellow pedals with red at base
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Hamamelis mollis ‘Gold Edge’ during the dormant season (fall or early spring) to allow the roots to establish before summer heat. Ensure the planting site offers average, well-drained soil, although this shrub shows some tolerance for clay provided drainage is sufficient. For the most prolific and showy blooms, prioritize a location receiving full sun; however, it will tolerate part shade.
This Chinese witch hazel prefers moist conditions and benefits greatly from organically rich, slightly acidic soil. Maintain consistent moisture, especially through summer droughts, as insufficient water can lead to leaf scorch. While maintenance is low, gardeners should promptly locate and remove any root suckers appearing below the graft union to maintain the specific characteristics of the ‘Gold Edge’ cultivar.
Pruning should be executed just after the shrub finishes flowering in the spring. This timing controls size and shape without interfering with next year’s flower bud development. In colder regions (USDA Zone 5), it is wise to select a somewhat protected site, as winter flower buds can suffer damage if temperatures unexpectedly dip below -5°F, particularly in windy exposures.
Landscape Uses
The compact nature of Hamamelis mollis ‘Gold Edge’, maturing around 6 to 8 feet, makes it an ideal choice for a mixed shrub border where its winter flowers and variegated foliage can be easily appreciated. It functions perfectly when used as a specimen plant due to its high visual impact during the otherwise drab winter months.
Consider using this Chinese witch hazel in woodland garden settings where dappled light protects it from the harshest afternoon sun, or utilize its erosion tolerance near slopes. Its upright habit also lends itself well to formal applications, such as planting in a row to create an informal, yet striking, fragrant hedge. Cut flowering stems gathered in mid-winter make for attractive, long-lasting indoor arrangements.
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. It is native to forests and thickets in southeastern and southwestern China. This species produces the most fragrant flowers of all the witch hazels. Genus name comes from the Greek words hama meaning at same time and melon meaning apple or fruit in reference to the occurrence of both fruit and flowers at the same time on this shrub. ‘Gold Edge’ is a variegated Chinese witch hazel that features dull, blue-green leaves with thin, irregular, creamy-white margins. Crinkly, sweetly-scented, golden yellow flowers bloom in clusters along bare stems in mid- to late winter (February-March) before the spring foliage emerges.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Erosion
- Clay Soil
Potential Problems
Aphids, scale, leafrollers, and leafminers can occasionally target Hamamelis mollis ‘Gold Edge’, though insect issues rarely necessitate chemical intervention. Keep an eye out for caterpillars or Japanese beetles chewing on the leaves during the growing season. Fungal issues like powdery mildew or superficial leaf spots may develop, but these are usually cosmetic. The primary concern for hardiness in colder areas is the susceptibility of flower buds to freeze damage below -5°F, especially if the shrub lacks wind protection in Zone 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Chinese witch hazel suitable for?
Hamamelis mollis ‘Gold Edge’ is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8.
How large does Hamamelis mollis ‘Gold Edge’ grow?
This cultivar typically reaches a mature height between 6 and 8 feet, with a similar spread of 6 to 8 feet wide.
When does Chinese witch hazel bloom?
This ornamental shrub flowers dependably in the late winter, specifically from February through March, producing its signature yellow blooms before the leaves emerge.
What sun exposure does Hamamelis mollis ‘Gold Edge’ need?
For optimal flowering, aim for full sun exposure, though it will tolerate partial shade.
Conclusion
The Hamamelis mollis ‘Gold Edge’ provides invaluable winter structure, fragrant blooms, and unique variegated foliage, making it a vital asset for winter interest gardens. Its low maintenance requirement and tolerance for clay soil increase its utility across various sites. Evaluate your planting site’s winter hardiness and sun exposure to ensure the best performance for your Chinese witch hazel.
Companion Planting
When planning a winter garden around your Hamamelis mollis ‘Gold Edge’, consider pairing it with other late-season or early-spring bloomers for continuous interest. Early-flowering Hellebores (Lenten Roses) provide colorful ground cover beneath its canopy when the witch hazel is blooming. Evergreen shrubs, such as certain hollies or boxwood, offer excellent green contrast against the bare, flower-laden branches of the Chinese witch hazel during winter dormancy.
Propagation Tips
While Hamamelis mollis ‘Gold Edge’ will produce root suckers, successful propagation of this specific variegated cultivar is best achieved through grafting onto hardy rootstocks, often using native witch hazels. Gardeners rarely propagate this variety through seed germination, as seedlings will not faithfully reproduce the ‘Gold Edge’ variegation. If cuttings are attempted, they must be taken from semi-hardwood material and treated with rooting hormone, though success rates for creating a new, true-to-type shrub are quite low compared to grafting.
