What to plant with witch hazel?

Hi there,

I have today taken delivery of the most gorgeous Hamamelis Intermedia 'Jelena'. It is very well established. I would like to have some kind of climber growing through it in the summer months, usually i would go for a Clematis but i think perhaps they arent delicate enough?

Any idea's very welcome

Paula

 

Interesting question.
I have often thought maybe I ought to do this as well.
What has stopped me, is the way the flower buds form in the autumn, to open from Christmas onwards. ( Depending on where you live and the weather). I love Hamamellis they really lift my spirits in the depth of winter, and I would hate to damage any of those buds with a twinning plant.

One of my favourites for scent is Hamamellis Arnold Promise. For the most flowers on an orange one it would have to be Hamamellis Orange Peel. They become addictive!
Make sure that you prune it hard, this will give more small twigs. The more branches and twigs the more flowers!

I await suggestions for climber from others to see if something would suit.

 

I love Hamamelis just as it is. I think it speaks for itself. I wouldn't grow anything through it. I don't like that look. But that's just me.

 

Thinking on it i reckon you are both right. I have some Crocus Crysanthemum to go around the base and these are a large flowering variets with a magnolia shape to them.

The Witch Hazel has loads of buds on so im really looking forward to a good show. I shall post some pics when it flowers.

Thanks again both of you :D

 

I think they prefer a slightly acid soil? We are alkaline and I sequester mine once a year. (probably not relevant to you, but just mentioning it in passing)

 

I would agree with keeping the shrub unadorned from Autumn on!..(it has good autumn colour anyway and any remnants of old clematis stems etc., would detract from the simple beauty of flowers on bare stems)
If you were going to plant anything to climb, maybe an annual that would grow and flower through summer and you could pull off carefully in autumn. Morning Glory or climbing nasturtium?
I love to see them underplanted with species crocus and cyclamen