Plants: Hamamelis x intermedia 'Barmstedt Gold' - witch hazel

Witch hazels are unusual shrubs that offer profuse flowering at times when everything else in the garden looks dull and far from cheerful. Barmstedt Gold is a selection made by Hans Hachmann in his nursery situated in German town of the same name: Barmstedt.

Barmstedt Gold is unique in its flower colour. It is not sulphur yellow like many other yellow flowering varieties. This one is truly golden yellow with a hint of light orange. The flowers are fringe-like and very fragrant, their perfume is strongly fruity with a little bit of spice. They come out in January and last until March. The leaves are deciduous, similar to hazel, rounded but larger, medium green in summer and bright yellow in autumn. Dry leaves remain on the plant often until sprintime.

Witch hazel is a beautiful shrub or a small tree of an open vase shape, and thanks to its maximum size of about 3m it is ideal for even a small garden. Barmstedt Gold is quite upright growing reaching its adult height sooner than its width.

Witch hazel hybrids are of garden-origin. They are a cross between Asian species Hamamelis japonica and Hamamelis mollis. Grow them in acid to neutral, moist but well drained soil. They don’t tolerate lime or hard pruning when older. Sunny location or light semi-shade is best. Fully hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5) but exposed sites are not recommended.

Size/type: taller shrub
Usual height: 2-3m
Usual width: 2-3m
Leaves: deciduous broadleaf
Colour of leaves: green
Flowers: showy
Colour of flowers: golden
Blooming time: january - march
Location: full sun
Usda zone (lowest): 5 (down to -29°c)
Belongs to categories: deciduous broadleaf, winter blooms