Chinese Witch-Hazel

How to grow Chinese Witch-Hazel

Written by the GardenDecoded editorial team · Last reviewed 21 July 2026 · Written for UK gardens · How we research our guidance

Planting

Plant in autumn in an open position where you will pass it in January - the spidery yellow flowers are strongly scented and worth siting near a path or a window. It needs genuine space; it is slow but eventually wide, and it does not take kindly to being cut back to fit.

Pruning

Very little. Remove crossing or dead wood after flowering. Any suckers or shoots appearing from below the graft union must be cut off flush as soon as you see them - the rootstock is usually a different, vigorous species that will take over if left.

Propagation

Almost always grafted commercially, which is why plants are expensive. Layering is possible for the patient; seed is very slow and can take two years to germinate.

Pests and diseases

Generally trouble-free. Poor flowering usually means dry soil in the previous summer, too much shade, or a plant still settling in.

Value to wildlife

One of the very few winter nectar sources, taken by any bees or hoverflies flying on mild days.

Notes

It flowers on the previous season's wood and needs to be growing well in summer to bud up, so mulch and water in dry spells. Do not expect much for the first few years; it is slow to establish and slow to build a decent flowering display.

This guidance was researched and written by GardenDecoded — see our editorial policy for how guides are checked and reviewed.

Other names for this plant

These names have all been used for Hamamelis mollis but are no longer the accepted name. You may still meet them on old labels, in books, or in nursery catalogues.

Others in Hamamelis