Witch Hazel Westerstede
Flowering later than other witch hazels, Hamamelis x intermedia Westerstede is a large, fairly vigorous, deciduous shrub with an upright, shapely, vase-shaped habit, or occasionly a small tree. The broad, hazel-like leaves are glossy and dark green, turning yellow in autumn. In February and March, spidery, pale yellow flowers appear, over 3cm in size, with slightly twisted petals and purplish-red calyxes; they have very little scent. Witch hazel Westerstede is a nicely proportioned, small and very healthy cultivar, and the late flowering is an asset in very cold areas .
Site: Sheltered
Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich, acid soil; tolerates neutral soil if reliably moist
Position: Flowers best in full sun
Season of interest: Spring, autumn
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: up to 11’ (3.5m) Spread: 8’ (2.5m)