Hamamelis intermedia 'Westerstede' 23cm pot

Hamamelis × intermedia 'Westerstede'

One of the earliest and most spectacular winter-flowering witch hazels, Hamamelis × intermedia 'Westerstede' produces an abundance of long, ribbon-like, warm golden-yellow flowers on its bare branches, often starting as early as December and continuing through into February and March. So profuse is the flowering that the branches are completely smothered in bloom, providing a welcome splash of colour in the depths of winter, with a pleasant, fruity fragrance. Should sharp frost strike while in flower, the delicate petals simply curl up to protect themselves, then reopen as temperatures rise.

A vigorous, deciduous shrub with an upright, vase-shaped habit, 'Westerstede' typically reaches around 3–4m in height with a similar or slightly greater spread at maturity, making it a striking specimen for a mixed border, woodland garden, or as a focal point in a larger planting scheme. The broad, oval, mid-green summer foliage provides an attractive backdrop for other plants before turning rich shades of orange and red in autumn. It grows best in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil, in full sun or partial shade, sheltered from strong winds.

Each plant is hand-selected before dispatch.