Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Westerstede’ is an excellent flowering shrub for the garden. This deciduous hybrid witch-hazel is an ideal choice for adding a splash of colour to the winter landscape.
The fragrant yellow and orange blooms of ‘Westerstede’ appear in late winter, often when other plants are still dormant. The flowers are followed by attractive foliage and attractive seed capsules that remain on the shrub until late summer. This hardy shrub is easy to maintain and can be grown in a variety of soil types and climates.
‘Westerstede’ is a great choice for adding a unique and eye-catching feature to the garden.
Benefits of hamamelis x intermedia westerstede
. Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Westerstede’ is a deciduous shrub with beautiful yellow flowers. This sturdy little shrub is very popular among UK gardeners, not just for its vibrant yellow blooms, but for its many other benefits as well.
To begin with, the foliage of this plant is beautiful. The deep green leaves have a wavy texture, giving it a distinctly unique look.
In the fall, the leaves turn an appealing golden colour, often before other shrubs. As such, it can act as a great transition piece as it moves from the warm days of summer to the cooler ones of autumn. The flowers are beautiful yellow blossoms that bloom in late spring and early summer.
They appear in clusters, and the blooms are often accompanied by a captivating scent. Like many other deciduous shrubs, Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Westerstede’ provides great cover and protection to other plants, while attracting pollinators and other beneficial insects.
And finally, this low-maintenance shrub is very easy to care for. It thrives in both sun and shade and enjoys a wide range of soil types, including soils with poor drainage. Once established, it generally requires little pruning and fertilizing.
This combination of beauty and adaptability makes Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Westerstede’ a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
Growing and caring for hamamelis x intermedia westerstede
. Hamamelis x intermedia Westerstede is a hybrid flowering shrub related to witch hazel that is as hardy as it is beautiful. Large, fragrant yellow flowers bloom in the middle of winter and make it a standout in the dormant winter garden.
Growing and caring for this charming shrub is easy and rewarding when you know a few basics. The hybrid nature of Hamamelis x intermedia Westerstede means that it is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including partial shade and moist, acidic soil.
It prefers a sunny location and benefits from mulching around the base. This helps to keep the roots cooler and maintains soil moisture, while also suppressing weeds.
Water deeply and infrequently during the growing season and fertilize sparingly to keep the shrub healthy and vigorous. Prune in late winter to remove any dead, damaged, or overcrowded branches. Hamamelis x intermedia Westerstede does not require a lot of special care, but it does need to be monitored for pests and diseases.
Aphids, spider mites, scale, and powdery mildew are all threats to watch out for. If pests become a problem, you can use shop-bought insecticides to control them, or target specific pests with homemade concoctions or insecticidal soaps. Keeping the foliage dry and providing plenty of air circulation can help prevent fungal infections from becoming established.
In return for regular care, Hamamelis x intermedia Westerstede gives you blooms of stunning yellow flowers in the middle of winter, brightening an othewise dreary garden. It is an invaluable addition to any smart gardener’s toolkit, perfect for providing winter interest and bringing a touch of the unexpected to your landscape.
Common problems with hamamelis x intermedia westerstede
Hamamelis x intermedia Westerstede is a hybrid type of witch-hazel that has become a popular choice for gardens in the UK. It is a deciduous, medium-sized shrub with attractive yellow flowers.
The flowers bloom in the late-winter or early-spring, and the foliage turns an orange-red in the autumn. However, in spite of its beauty and versatility, there are several problems that can affect Hamamelis x intermedia Westerstede. The most common problem gardeners face is the fact that the shrub does not respond well to pruning.
While moderate pruning of the branches is usually beneficial and can help to contain the size of the shrub, pruning or shaping it too heavily will often result in withered foliage and decreased flower production. Another common issue is disease susceptibility.
While generally tolerant of pests and diseases, since it is a hybrid plant, Hamamelis x intermedia Westerstede is more prone to disease than other types of witch-hazels. The most common diseases include fungal root rot and leaf spot, both of which can be managed with regular pruning and fungicide treatments. Hamamelis x intermedia Westerstede is also prone to suffer from wilt and aphid attack.
When watered deeply, plants can become stressed and can be susceptibles to wilt, from which they may not recover. Regular pest control treatments will help to prevent aphid infestations. In spite of these issues, Hamamelis x intermedia Westerstede is well worth the effort it takes to maintain it.
Even when the shrub experiences problems, with proper care and maintenance, this hybrid type of witch-hazel is still beautiful and offers a spectacular display in the late-winter and early-spring months.
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Bottom Line
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Westerstede’ is an attractive deciduous shrub with bright yellow blooms in early spring. It is a hybrid of two species of Witch Hazel and grows to a height of about 6 feet, with a spread of about 8 feet.
Its flowers are fragrant, and its foliage is a nice deep green. It is an excellent choice for a garden border, or for naturalizing in woodland areas. It is also deer resistant, and easy to maintain.
FAQ
What is the scientific name of Hamamelis x intermedia Westerstede?
The scientific name of Hamamelis x intermedia Westerstede is Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Westerstede’.
What are the characteristics of Hamamelis x intermedia Westerstede?
The characteristics of Hamamelis x intermedia Westerstede include a rounded, spreading habit, yellow-green foliage, and fragrant, yellow flowers in late winter and early spring. It is a deciduous shrub that grows up to 8 feet tall and wide, and is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Where is Hamamelis x intermedia Westerstede native to?
Hamamelis x intermedia Westerstede is native to Central and Eastern Europe.
How does Hamamelis x intermedia Westerstede differ from other Hamamelis species?
Hamamelis x intermedia Westerstede is a hybrid species of witch hazel, created by crossing two other species of witch hazel, Hamamelis virginiana and Hamamelis mollis. It is distinguished from other Hamamelis species by its larger, more fragrant flowers, and its more upright growth habit.
What are the uses of Hamamelis x intermedia Westerstede?
Hamamelis x intermedia Westerstede is a hybrid species of witch hazel that is used for ornamental purposes in landscaping. It is also used for medicinal purposes, as its leaves and bark are known to have astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
How can Hamamelis x intermedia Westerstede be propagated?
Hamamelis x intermedia Westerstede can be propagated by softwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings, or layering.
