Chinese witch hazel (Hamamelis mollis 'Jermyns Gold')
Hamamelis mollis 'Jermyns Gold' offers fragrant, golden blooms in late winter. This Chinese witch hazel is low maintenance and deer tolerant.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Hamamelis mollis ‘Jermyns Gold’, known commonly as Chinese witch hazel, is highly valued for providing essential color and fragrance during the late winter landscape doldrums. This cultivar produces masses of crinkly, bright yellow flowers that feature distinctive red bases, blooming before the foliage appears. Its ability to reliably provide interest when most other plants are dormant makes it a superb specimen plant.
This deciduous shrub matures into a rounded, medium-sized form, typically reaching 7 to 9 feet tall and wide. It thrives in average, well-drained soils but appreciates organic richness. Gardeners who value low input will appreciate the generally low maintenance required by Hamamelis mollis ‘Jermyns Gold’.
Beyond its winter spectacle, this Chinese witch hazel offers pleasing texture and reliable yellow fall color, extending its aesthetic appeal throughout the growing season. Furthermore, its compact size and tolerance for some clay make the striking ‘Jermyns Gold’ adaptable to various landscape settings.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Hamamelidaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 7-9 ft
- Spread: 7-9 ft
- Bloom Time: January to March
- Bloom Description: Yellow pearls with red at the base
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Hamamelis mollis ‘Jermyns Gold’ in spring or fall, allowing it time to establish before facing harsh conditions. The best flowering performance occurs when sited in full sun, though it tolerates part shade. Ensure the planting location has excellent, well-drained soil, as consistent moisture is crucial; leaf scorch can result from summer drought. While it tolerates clay soils, drainage must remain adequate, and it prefers moist, acidic, organically rich conditions.
Water regularly during the first few seasons to establish a deep root system. After establishment, medium watering is usually sufficient, but monitor during dry spells. While typically low maintenance, promptly remove any root suckers that appear from below the graft union, as these Chinese witch hazel cultivars are sometimes grafted.
Pruning should occur immediately after flowering finishes in the spring to shape the habit or control size. Avoid pruning in fall or winter, as this could remove emerging flower buds. Gardeners in Zone 5 should select a protected site, as flower buds are susceptible to damage if temperatures dip significantly below -5°F, especially in windy locations.
Landscape Uses
The primary charm of Hamamelis mollis ‘Jermyns Gold’ is its late winter bloom, making it ideal for placement where seasonal views are important, such as near patios, entryways, or outdoor seating areas. Its fragrant display provides excellent specimen value when deciduous trees are bare.
This Chinese witch hazel is well-suited for use in shrub borders or as a component of a woodland garden setting, blending well beneath taller, open-canopy trees that won’t fully shade it out during the summer. The flowering stems of Hamamelis mollis ‘Jermyns Gold’ also make attractive additions to winter bouquets brought indoors.
Consider pairing this shrub with early-blooming bulbs like snowdrops or crocuses, as these spring ephemerals will offer ground-level color near the base of the magnificent winter flowering Hamamelis. Ensure enough space is left to appreciate its mature, rounded form, which spreads to match its height.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
The cultivar ‘Jermyns Gold’ is a Chinese witch hazel prized for its clusters of fragrant, golden yellow flowers with red bases, blooming along bare stems from January through March. The species, Hamamelis mollis, is native to China and produces the most fragrant flowers of all the witch hazels. It finishes the season with rounded leaves that turn bright yellow in autumn, complementing its winter contribution.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Erosion
- Clay Soil
Potential Problems
While generally considered robust, ‘Jermyns Gold’ can occasionally face leaf damage from caterpillars or Japanese beetles chewing foliage during the summer months. Keep an eye out for minor issues like scale, gall aphids, leafrollers, or leafminers; these almost never require chemical intervention. Fungal issues like powdery mildew or minor leaf spots can occur, especially when humidity is high or air circulation is poor. In colder zones, freezing temperatures below -5°F, particularly in exposed or windy spots, can damage flower buds, delaying or eliminating the winter bloom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Chinese witch hazel suitable for?
Hamamelis mollis ‘Jermyns Gold’ is hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 8, though Zone 5 gardeners should provide the most protected sites available.
How large does Hamamelis mollis ‘Jermyns Gold’ grow?
This shrub typically matures to a height between 7 and 9 feet, with a similar spread of 7 to 9 feet, maintaining a rounded shape.
When does Chinese witch hazel bloom?
The spectacular bloom period for Hamamelis mollis ‘Jermyns Gold’ is from January to March, featuring crinkly yellow petals.
What sun exposure does Chinese witch hazel need?
For the best flowering display, site this Chinese witch hazel where it receives full sun, though it tolerates conditions down to partial shade.
Conclusion
Hamamelis mollis ‘Jermyns Gold’ stands out in the winter garden, offering unparalleled fragrance and brilliant golden color when needed most. This low-maintenance Chinese witch hazel delivers reliable performance across multiple seasons with its attractive form and reliable fall color. Before purchasing, confirm your garden falls within USDA Zones 5–8 and plan to site it in a location that provides adequate moisture and excellent drainage.
Companion Planting
When selecting neighbors for Hamamelis mollis ‘Jermyns Gold’, focus on plants that benefit from similar moist, acidic soil conditions, or those that offer seasonal contrast. Consider planting early spring bulbs like Scilla or Chionodoxa near the base; these bloom concurrently or slightly after the witch hazel, softening the transition into spring.
In the summer landscape, pairing the Chinese witch hazel with dark green, evergreen shrubs or broadleaf evergreens provides a strong backdrop that allows the structure and texture of the Hamamelis to shine once its leaves drop for winter. If you have acidic soil, rhododendrons or azaleas planted nearby will share cultural needs while providing late spring color.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Mid-to-late winter is the time to appreciate the defining feature of Hamamelis mollis ‘Jermyns Gold’: its golden, fragrant flowers. Keep an eye on Zone 5 plants during deep freezes to assess potential bud damage.
Prune your Chinese witch hazel immediately after flowering concludes in the spring. This timing allows the plant to set next year’s flower buds on new wood without interference. Remove any crossing branches or suckers before summer heat arrives.
Maintain even moisture throughout the summer growing season, especially in hot climates, to prevent leaf scorch, which indicates stress from drought. Incorporate a layer of organic mulch to help keep roots cool and conserve soil moisture around the base of your Hamamelis.
