Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Orange Peel’ Flower (08/02/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Sun to dappled shade
Flowering period: Winter
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 3m
Eventual Spread: 3m
Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Hamamelidaceae
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Orange Peel’ is a medium sized, deciduous spreading small tree or large shrub. The light green alternate leaves emerge from short-stalked buds. The leaves are elliptic to nearly circular in shape, irregularly toothed along their edges and become a yellow/orange / red in autumn. A few of the autumn leaves are retained on this tree through the winter months. Its yellow/ orange flowers appear in clusters. Its petals are long, thin and crinkled. The fruit is a two part capsule. It is usually grafted onto the rootstock of one of the other species of Hamamelis.
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Orange Peel’ is commonly known as the Hybrid Witch Hazel Orange Peel. The species is a hybrid between Hamamelis mollis and Hamamelis japonica. 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.
The etymological root of the binomial name Hamamelis is derived from the Greek amamelis ‘a tree with pear like fruits’. Intermedia is derived from the Latin inter meaning ‘between’ and medius meaning ‘middle’ in reference to this hybrid being between its two parents in terms of characteristics.
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Orange Peel’ (08/02/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
The landscape architect may find Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Orange Peel’ useful in dappled shade locations as a small tree with attractive winter flowers and autumn leaf color.
Ecologically, Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Orange Peel’ flowers attract members of the Lepidoptera family which includes butterflies and moths.
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Orange Peel’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil, although it prefers neutral to acidic soils.
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Orange Peel’ requires little maintenance.
