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WITCH HAZEL

Hamamelis × intermedia

A Four-Season

Marvel

Witch hazels are a captivating addition to any garden, offering year-round interest with their fragrant winter blooms, stunning fall color, and unique branching structure. At our nursery, we carry some of the finest cultivars of Hamamelis × intermedia: ‘Primavera,’ ‘Jelena,’ ‘Diane,’ and ‘Arnold’s Promise.’ For a beautiful display, a visit to the Polly Hill Arboretum is highly recommended, where their well-established collection showcases these plants in full bloom.

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Ostergold’ in it’s full spring glory at Poll Hill Arboretum [photo by Sofia Wiley]

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Seasonal Interest

WINTER BLOOMS : One of the most enchanting qualities of Hamamelis × intermedia is its ability to bloom in mid- to late winter, long before other plants awaken from dormancy. Its delicate, ribbon-like flowers emerge in shades of yellow, copper, orange, and red, depending on the cultivar, filling the air with a sweet fragrance.

SPRING & SUMMER APPEAL : As spring arrives, witch hazels leaf out with fresh green foliage, blending seamlessly into a woodland setting. They serve as a lovely backdrop for later-blooming perennials and shrubs.

FALL COLOR : Come autumn, witch hazel foliage transforms into a vibrant display of gold, orange, and red. This seasonal transition adds another dimension to their beauty, making them a true multi-season performer.

YEAR-ROUND STRUCTURE : Even in winter, their distinctive branching pattern provides architectural interest in the landscape, making them a valuable addition for structure and texture.

Hamamelis mollis 'Princeton Gold' [photo by Sofia Wiley]

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Aphrodite' [photo by Sofia Wiley]

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Angelly' [photo by Sofia Wiley]

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Growing & Care

Sunlight: Best flowering occurs in full sun, but witch hazels can also tolerate partial shade.
Soil: Prefers moist, acidic, and organically rich soils for optimal growth.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially in dry periods.
Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed—just remove dead or crossing branches to maintain shape.
Spacing: These shrubs can spread 10-15 feet wide, so allow ample room for growth.
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Low Maintenance

While Hamamelis × intermedia is not native, it does not self-seed or become invasive, making it a responsible choice for gardens that prioritize ecological harmony. It thrives in woodland settings, blending beautifully with native trees and shrubs while providing a much-needed splash of color during the bleakest months of the year.