HAMAMELIS × intermedia ‘Double Gold’

Description

The Plant

HAMAMELIS x intermedia ‘Double Gold’ is a very rare and particularly interesting witch hazel. Its variegated foliage, green with yellow edges, is exceptional for this species. It makes it uniquely attractive.

Then, in autumn, its leaves turn shades of yellow, orange, and red to intensify the display.

When the leaves have fallen during winter, this extraordinary plant produces slightly fragrant yellow flowers on bare wood.

Witch hazels naturally grow in a gracefully spreading shape. This one will reach a height of 1.5 to 2 meters after ten years.

The combination of green and yellow variegated foliage along with its yellow winter flowers makes it an excellent choice for all passionate gardeners. It will easily find a place in any garden, even small ones.

How to plant and care for HAMAMELIS x intermedia ‘Double Cloud’?

The Planting

HAMAMELIS x intermedia are very cold-hardy plants and fairly easy to grow provided the following points are respected:

1. Choose a spot in partial shade or full sun where the plant can reach its full potential. Keep in mind that its shape is spreading. Therefore, allow enough space for lateral growth. It can be grown in a container or pot, as a standalone specimen or in a mixed border.
2. The location should be fresh to moist or normal. If the plant is in full sun, a fresh to moist setting is preferable.
3. The soil should be light or normal with an acidic or neutral pH.
4. For proper preparation of the planting hole, we have designed
   specific instructions available here
   .

The Caring

Ensure regular watering during dry periods for the first two years after planting. Furthermore,
discover here how to water your garden and save water
.

Given its slow growth and limited development, pruning is not necessary.

History and Origin

The species HAMAMELIS x intermedia is a cross between HAMAMELIS mollis (from China) and HAMAMELIS japonica (from Japan). The first hybrids appeared independently in the 1930s in three different locations:

• Arnold Arboretum in the United States of America
• Charlottenlund Botanical Garden in Denmark
• a third site in Europe, probably Germany

The taxonomy HAMAMELIS x intermedia was formally assigned by Alfred Rehder (an American botanist of German origin) in 1949.

The cultivar HAMAMELIS x intermedia ‘Double Gold’ is a very recent selection. However, its exact origin is not known at the time of writing.