Shrub ID please?

[sweet-pea]

Hello

I was on a tour of Goddards Garden in York yesterday afternoon with some head gardeners and volunteers and there was a shrub that was puzzling everyone.  Given that there were 3 head gardeners that didn't know what it was I'm assuming that it is something unusual.

I wondered if anyone on here might know what it was or what family it is.

[sweet-pea]

[flowerlady]

Wow love the leaves ...  at first I thought it was a Kalmia ... certainly laurel like leaves ... did you notice if they were furry underneath?  Wasit in the shade of full sun ??

[sweet-pea]

It was in a shaded spot, but I'm afraid I didn't notice whether the leaves were hairy underneath.  I should have given idea of the size of the leaves I guess, they are probably 2-3 inches long and I'd say 4inches as a maximum.  Also the flowers reminded me of Hammemelis, but weren't scented.

[flowerlady]

Hi SweetPea you'll love this ... I wrote and asked them !!!!!  :D

The plant is Distylium racemosum. An evergreen shrub from Japan and
Formosa. It belongs to the Witchhazel family.

... well done with the hammemelis!  ;)

Flo  :)

[sweet-pea]

Thanks Flo, that's great..and even better that I was right about the Hammemelis connection :-)