Hamamelis

Headnote

Witch hazels are a beautiful source of varied autumn colour and rich, sweet scent, according to Alys Fowler

WHAT THE SPECIALISTS SAY

Roger Pierce, customer service manager, Bridgemere Garden World, Cheshire "Our best seller is Hamamelis x intermedia 'Pallida' Award of Garden Merit, which has by far the best scent and large, pale yellow flowers. We also recommend Hamamelis x intermedia 'Arnold Promise' AGM, which has sweet-scented yellow flowers.

"One of the best reds is Hamamelis x intermedia 'Diane' AGM, which has deep red flowers. Hamamelis x intermedia 'Livia' is also a good redflowering variety. Hamamelis vernalis 'Sandra' AGM is good for autumn colour, with yellow flowers. Hamamelis x intermedia 'Vesna' has twisted petals that are yellow grading to orange-red."

Pat Edwards, Hamamelis national collection holder, Wolverhampton "Hamamelis flowers need a cold spell to open, which we had in October, so this should be a good year. Hamamelis is prone to being temperamental. They prefer acidic soil and should never be allowed to dry out. People think they prefer dappled shade, but they flower much better in full sun. Equally, they hate waterlogged soil. I mulch to keep moisture in.

"The best Hamamelis should have brilliant autumn foliage, an upright shape and good flower colour. Many, such as Hamamelis x intermedia 'Diane' AGM, are horizontal and are not so good for small gardens. One of my favourites is Hamamelis x intermedia 'Vesna'. It is upright in shape, has brilliant autumn colour - each leaf is like a miniature rainbow-and beautiful corn-yellow flowers.

"Red-flowered varieties such as Hamamelis x intermedia 'Diane' AGM need to planted next to a background that will highlight the flowers - for example, New Zealand pampas grass. Hamamelis x intermedia 'Robert' has very good orange flowers and Hamamelis x intermedia 'Orange Peel' smells strongly of oranges."

Jane Norton, administrator, Burncoose Nurseries, Cornwall "Our range includes Hamamelis x intermedia 'Arnold's...