Hamamelis intermedia Arnold Promise

Hamamelis intermedia Arnold Promise

Chinese Witch Hazel

Hamamelis intermedia Arnold Promise is a vase-shaped shrub with bright green leaves and large fragrant spider-like yellow flowers before the leaves in early to mid winter.

It flowers December to January. Max Height 4m. Max Spread 4m. Full Sun/Partial Shade. Hardy

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Hamamelis intermedia Arnold Promise, also known as witch hazel, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the family Hamamelidaceae. This plant is native to Asia and is popularly grown for its ornamental value. The shrub blooms in winter, producing small, fragrant flowers that are a striking yellow color. The leaves are oval-shaped and are about 2-4 inches in length.

One of the most popular cultivars of Hammamelis intermedia is Arnold Promise. This plant is named after the horticulturist, J. H. Arnold, who discovered it in his garden in Sussex, England, in the early 1900s. It is highly regarded for its showy display of bright yellow, fragrant flowers that bloom in the winter months. The flowers are arranged in clusters and each petal is twisted, giving them a unique appearance.

H. Arnold Promise is a medium-sized shrub that can grow up to 15 feet tall and 15 feet wide. It has a rounded shape with dense branching, making it an excellent choice for hedges or as a specimen plant. The leaves are dark green and turn yellow in the fall, adding to the beauty of the plant.

One of the benefits of the Arnold Promise is its adaptability to different soil types. It can grow in a range of soil pH levels, from acidic to alkaline, and is tolerant of heavy clay soils. This makes it an ideal plant for a variety of landscapes, including urban areas.

In addition to its ornamental value, H. Arnold Promise has several medicinal properties. The bark, leaves, and twigs of the plant have been used for centuries by Native Americans to treat various ailments. The leaves and bark are astringent and can be used to reduce inflammation, treat bruises, and alleviate hemorrhoids. The twigs are used to make a decoction that can be used as a topical antiseptic.

H. Arnold Promise is also an important source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators. The flowers bloom in the winter, providing a critical food source for bees when other plants are not in bloom. This makes it an excellent choice for gardeners who are interested in creating pollinator-friendly landscapes.

When planting Hamamelis  Arnold Promise, it is important to choose a location that receives full sun or partial shade. The shrub prefers well-drained soil and should be watered regularly during the first year of growth. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance.

Pruning should be done after the plant has finished blooming in the late winter or early spring. This will help to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. The plant can also be propagated by taking softwood cuttings in the summer or hardwood cuttings in the fall.

In conclusion, the Hammamelis intermedia Arnold Promise is a beautiful and versatile shrub that is well-suited to a variety of landscapes. Its stunning yellow flowers, adaptability to different soil types, and medicinal properties make it a popular choice among gardeners. As a source of nectar and pollen for bees, it is also an important contributor to local ecosystems. Whether used as a specimen plant or as part of a larger landscape, the Arnold Promise is sure to add color and beauty to any garden.