Hamamelis japonica ‘Superba’

Hamamelis japonica ‘Superba’ flower (21/01/2012, Kew, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: Winter

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 4m

Eventual Spread: 4m

Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b,  9a

Family: Hamamelidaceae

Hamamelis japonica ‘Superba’ is a slow growing spreading, deciduous shrub/ small tree. Its medium to dark green leaves are alternately arranged and rounded to oval in appearance. They are up to 10cm long, with a smooth, wavy margin and turn a yellow/ red/ purple colour in autumn. The pale yellow flowers of this shrub have four slender, strap shaped twisted petals. These are up to 2cm, are produced in clusters on leafless stems and are mildly fragrant. The fruit is a two part capsule, 1cm long, each containing a single 5mm glossy black seed.

The species Hamamelis japonica, commonly known as Japanese Witch Hazel, is native to Japan. Subjective research has been carried out on the relative fragrance and leaf retention of various Hamamelis species and varieties by the curators of  Scott Arboretum, unfortunately Hamamelis japonica ‘Superba’ has not been assessed.

The etymological root of the binomial name Hamamelis is derived from the Greek amamelis ‘a tree with pear like fruits’. Japonica is derived from the Latin meaning ‘of Japan’.

Hamamelis japonica ‘Superba’ (21/01/2012, Kew, London)

The landscape architect may find Hamamelis japonica ‘Superba’ useful as an attractive winter flowering, fragrant shrub, particularly in dappled shade locations. It also has attractive autumn leaf colour.

Ecologically Hamamelis japonica ‘Superba’ attracts members of the Lepidoptera which includes butterflies and moths.

Hamamelis japonica ‘Superba’ prefers moist, organically rich, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.

Hamamelis japonica ‘Superba’ requires little maintenance.