Plant Profile: Hamamelis mollis

Chinese Witch Hazel, while not as resilient as other species of Hamamelis, stands out for its delightful fragrance. This plant can be cultivated as either a sizable shrub or a small tree, and it is advisable to prune it in the spring after it has bloomed to maintain its desired size and shape.

This variety of Witch Hazel can adapt to clay soils, provided they have good drainage. However, it thrives best with regular moisture and may experience leaf scorch during particularly hot and dry summer months. It propagates through root suckers, which should be trimmed back to prevent excessive spreading.

**Quick Identification Tips:**
- Deciduous shrub or small tree reaching up to 16.5 feet.
- The native form blooms from late fall to early winter, while other species flower in late winter. The leaves turn yellow in the fall.
- Prefers well-drained, moist, acidic, organic soil; thrives in full sun or partial shade; is sensitive to drought; and is not prone to serious pest issues.