A new cultivar of Hamamelis mollis plant is characterized by exceptionally large and abundant flowers with a rich fruity fragrance. It is also unique in that the leaves promptly drop in the fall, not persisting in an unsightly condition throughout the winter as in ordinary Hamamelis mollis seedlings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a Hamamelis which is a product of crossing a seed parent Hamamelis mollis Fragrant Yellow (not patented) with an unknown pollen parent. The plant was discovered in a row of seedlings grown from seed of the Chinese Witch-Hazel Fragrant Yellow . I first grew this plant in potted understocks of Hamamelis virginiana common Witch-Hazel in a nursery in Plainsboro Township, N.J. in 1988. I asexually reproduced the plant by means of grafting of understocks at Plainsboro Twp. in New Jersey in January of 1991. I have observed the plants thus produced and find that the characteristics initially observed are in fact reproduced in successive generations.

The Hamamelis family includes a varied and diversified group of shrubs grown for their ornamental value. They are appreciated for their small yellow or red flowers that have a distinct fragrance when fully opened. The fruit is pod like and dry at maturity, and is characterized by its ability to split at maturity with explosive force, flinging seeds up to 40 feet from the plant.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Hamamelis mollis of this invention is distinguishable from the sister seedlings because of its exceptionally large and abundant flowers with a rich fruity fragrance. It is also unique in that the leaves promptly drop in the fall, not persisting in an unsightly condition throughout the winter as in ordinary Hamamelis mollis seedlings.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

Description of New Variety Hamamelis mollis February Gold .

Where originated: On property of Princeton Nurseries in Plainsboro Township, N.J.

How originated: Seedling of Hamamelis mollis Fragrant Yellow .

When and how and where first propagated: January 1991 by grafting to potted understocks of Hamamelis virginiana at Princeton Nurseries, Plainsboro Township, N.J.

Spread . Approximately 1.5 m at maturity.

Height . Approximately 2 m at maturity.

Slender . 0.75 cm in a diameter.

Texture . Smooth, pubescent for the first year.

Texture . Densely tomentose on under side. Smooth matte surface on upper side.

Disease resistance . No noticeable foliage disease.

Peduncle . Length Short 0.5 cm long; bloom long before leaves unfold. Surface texture Minutely downy. Opening Buds open simultaneously about February in daylight. Not affected by adverse conditions.

Dates first bloom . February 1 st to 15 th ; full bloom: February 15 th to March 15 th .

Size . Flowers on observed plant are 4 cm to 5 cm across, about twice the size of normal Hamamelis flowers.

Form . First open flat slightly cupped, then wide spreading. Permanence Retains its form to the end.

Number of petals . 4 in single row.

Shape of petals . Strap shaped.

Color . Petals color vivid yellow 2.5 Y 8/12. Flower center Munsell dark red 5 R 3/7; calyx Munsell moderate red 2.5R 4/10.

Petals in center . None.

Persistence . Drop off cleanly after lasting up to 30 days.

Lastingness . On plant very long up to 30 days. As cut flower long 6 days.

Texture . Thin, leathery. Not affected by wet weather. Not affected by hot weather blooming complete before hot weather.

Arrangement . Regular, arranged in opposite pairs four petals per flower.

When borne . Summer, splitting open in late October.

Abundance . Moderately abundant average 550-600 flowers per plant varies by age and size of plant.

Aspect . Hairy tomentose seeds inside are black, shiny, oval, flat headed and 1.3 cm long by 0.4 cm wide.

Ovaries . All enclosed in calyx.