Hamamelis japonica Pendula - Witch Hazel

The 'Pendula' Japanese Hamamelis, also known as Witch Hazel, stands out from other witch hazels mainly because of its strongly weeping habit, which gives the leafy shrub the appearance of a curiously gathered mass. Its lightly fragrant flowering, a discreet pale yellow punctuated with dark pink, appears directly on the branches in February-March. Also notable is its autumn foliage, which takes on sumptuous shades of orange, yellow, and red, sometimes purple-violet. This variety, as ornamental as it is original, brightens up autumn, enlivens the garden in winter with its unique architecture, and signals the end of gloomy days. Highlight it on an evergreen carpet and early-flowering bulbs to create a timeless tableau!

The Pendula Japanese Hamamelis is a rare form of Japanese Witch Hazel, originating in Japan as its name suggests, and the source of many popular hybrid varieties in gardens. All these plants belong to the hamamelidaceae family, which also includes Loropetalum, Liquidambar, and Persian Parrotia, all of which invariably display fantastic autumnal foliage colours. 'Pendula' slowly forms a strongly weeping bush, composed of a vertical trunk supporting a crown of trailing branches. It will reach a height of approximately 2.50 m (8 ft 2 in) with a spread of 3 m at maturity. Its deciduous foliage is composed of ovate leaves, initially yellowish-green with bronze reflections in spring, becoming dark green in summer, and then turning coppery orange and red with green or purplish patches in autumn, filling the garden with warm hues. Its slightly scented flowers are a delightful surprise in late winter and a boon for early bees. They abound on bare branches during the months of February and March, consisting of 4 elongated and curiously wrinkled, almost claw-like petals and pink-red stamens.

The Pendula Japanese Hamamelis thrives in rich, humus-rich, low-limestone, and light soils. It will be perfectly suited to a semi-shaded position. Plant it on the edge of woodlands, under large trees, or showcase it in a border alongside Heucheras, Daphnes, and Sarcococca. It will also be splendid in a mixed border, combined with evergreen shrubs such as autumn camellia or Chimonanthus praecox. At its base, you can plant winter heathers, Japanese grasses like Hakonechloa macra, or hellebores.