Hybrid Witchhazel
The Wonder of Winter Flowers
Create a Winter Garden Wonderland with this Unique Small Tree
As the vivid colors of autumn fade and the temperature drops, many gardeners may be tempted to retreat indoors until the warmth of spring returns. Yet the winter garden, often overlooked, has its own unique beauty and visual allure. Contrary to popular belief, winter gardens are not devoid of color. Enter the hybrid witchhazel (Hamamelis x intermedia), a small tree or shrub that graces the winter season with its display of fragrant yellow, orange, and red winter flowers. These blooms emerge when most plants lie dormant, adding a vibrant touch to the winter landscape, even in the snow!
Hybrid witchhazels (Hamamelis x intermedia) have an open, spreading habit and winter flowers.
Is There More Than One Type of Witchhazel?
There are five species in the witchhazel genus (Hamamelis):
Chinese witchhazel (Hamamelis mollis), native to Western China, is the most fragrant and least cold hardy witch hazel, with golden yellow flowers in winter.
Common witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is native to eastern North America and has subtle pale yellow flowers blooming in late fall.
Japanese witchhazel (Hamamelis japonica) has pale yellow winter flowers and is native to Japan.
Ozark witchhazel (Hamamelis vernalis), native to the Ozark region of the central United States, is a large suckering shrub with yellow-red flowers in late winter.
Big Leaf witchhazel (Hamamelis ovalis) is a relatively new witch hazel species, discovered in southern Mississippi, with red to orange-yellow flowers.
What are the Hybrid Witchhazels?
Hybrid witch hazels are a crossbreed between the Japanese witchhazel (Hamamelis japonica) and Chinese witchhazel (Hamamelis mollis). This fusion takes the best traits of each species, resulting in a plant that boasts abundant, fragrant flowers and winter hardiness. This group of hybrid witchhazels falls under the latin name Hamamelis x intermedia. The term "intermedia" in the name signifies that its characteristics are intermediate, falling between the traits of the two parent species.
The hybrid witchhazels are prized for their attractive, fragrant winter flowers that open when few other plants are flowering. Depending on the cultivar, the flowers are shades of yellow, orange, or red and have a distinctive, spidery, crumpled appearance. Flowers appear prior to leaf emergence, and last from January until mid-March, depending on the cultivar There are several popular and well-known hybrid Hamamelis x intermedia cultivars to choose from:
'Aphrodite': This cultivar features coppery red flowers and is appreciated for its robust growth and hardiness.
'Arnold Promise': Renowned for its vibrant yellow flowers and excellent cold tolerance, 'Arnold Promise' is a popular choice among Hamamelis x intermedia cultivars.
'Diane’: Known for its rich red flowers, 'Diane' is a favorite among gardeners seeking a bold and colorful winter display.
'Jelena': This cultivar boasts coppery-orange to red blooms, adding a touch of warmth to winter gardens.
‘Moonlight’: ‘Moonlight ‘ blooms heavily with pale yellow flowers, and is not as widely available as other cultivars.
'Orange Beauty': As the name suggests, 'Orange Beauty' showcases beautiful orange flowers, adding a lively burst of color to winter gardens.
‘Primavera’: This cultivar blooms later than others, with clusters of fragrant yellow flowers.
'Ripe Corn': With its unique name and deep red flowers, 'Ripe Corn' stands out as an attractive and distinctive choice.
‘Ruby Glow’: The rich coppery-red flowers of this cultivar warm up the winter landscape.
‘Sunburst’: A vigorous cultivar with larger pale yellow flowers.
How to Grow Witchhazel
Hybrid witchhazels are deciduous shrubs that grow best in moist, acidic, well-draining soil in full sun to part shade. They have an erect, upright shape and the branches grow in a loose, open manner. They can reach a height of 15-20 feet high and 10-15 feet wide, depending on the cultivar. Hybrid witchhazels are generally problem-free with regard to insects and diseases. Deer may occasionally browse witchhazel, but it’s not a preferred food source.
If you're considering adding a hybrid witchhazel to your garden, here are some essential tips for cultivation:
Planting: Choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun to part shade. The best winter flower show will occur in full sunlight, but make sure to avoid placing in a hot, dry location. Planting in the fall will allow the roots to establish before the winter blooming season.
Watering: To promote optimal growth and flowering, consistent moisture is best for a hybrid witchhazel. Supplemental watering is necessary for young, unestablished trees and during times of drought. For more information on watering, see “How to Water a Tree”.
Pruning: These winter flowering plants require little pruning. Plants bloom on old wood, so if you need to shape your hybrid witchhazel, prune it directly after flowering has finished so you don’t disturb the formation of next year’s buds. Plants may be sold grafted, so be sure to remove suckers promptly to prevent spreading and colonization.
Fertilizing: Witchhazels prefer moist, acidic soils rich in organic matter. Scatter compost (either store-bought or homemade), shredded leaves, Leafgro®, or leaf mold around the base of the plant in springtime, in a 1-2 inch layer, to enrich the soil.
The fragrant, spidery winter flowers of Hybrid Witchhazel (Hamamelis x intermedia) unfurl in winter, when little else in the garden is blooming.
Where Should I Plant Witchhazel?
Winter Garden Focal Point: Plant a hybrid witchhazel as the central feature in your winter garden design. Its vibrant winter flowers will become a focal point when many other plants are dormant.
Fire Pit Focal Point: If you use your firepit during late winter, consider planting a hybrid witchhazel nearby. You can enjoy the fragrant flowers while you eat a s’more!
Mixed Shrub Border: Integrate hybrid witchhazels into a mixed shrub border, to add winter color and interest. The unusual flowers and open branching pattern will contrast nicely with other shrubs and small trees.
Woodland Garden Accent: In a woodland garden setting, plant hybrid witchhazels strategically to mimic their natural habitat. Their distinctive blooms and adaptability make them excellent choices for adding interest to partially shaded areas.
Understory Planting: Utilize witchhazels as understory plants beneath taller trees. Their ability to flower in partial shade makes them ideal for creating layered and visually dynamic landscapes.
Container Gardening: Plant hybrid witchhazels in large containers to create movable bursts of winter color. This allows you to showcase these beautiful shrubs on patios, decks, or other outdoor spaces.
Entrance or Walkway Accent: Plant hybrid witchhazels near entrances or along walkways to greet visitors with a burst of color and fragrance during the winter season.
Mass Planting for Impact: Create a striking visual impact by mass planting hybrid witchhazels in specific areas of your garden. This can be particularly effective in large landscapes or public spaces.
Goth Garden: The unique, spidery, crumpled winter flowers of the hybrid witch hazel stand out in the bleak winter landscape, especially when it snows. Makes a great specimen planting in the Goth garden.
Planting Companions for Hybrid Witchhazel
Hellebores/Lenten Roses (Helleborus species): Pairing hybrid witchhazel with hellebores can create a stunning winter combination, as both plants bloom during the colder months, providing a double dose of color and interest.
Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum): The vibrant yellow flowers of winter jasmine can complement the blooms of hybrid witchhazel, creating a cheerful and colorful winter garden display.
Snowdrops (Galanthus): These delicate white flowers often emerge in late winter, offering a charming contrast to the bold and colorful blooms of witch hazels.
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum): The elegant and intricate branching structure of Japanese maples can complement the architectural qualities of witch hazels, creating a visually appealing combination.
Crocus (Crocus species): Planting crocuses around the base of hybrid witch hazel can add a carpet of early spring color, creating a seamless transition from winter to spring.
Evergreen shrubs: Incorporating evergreen shrubs will provide a backdrop of greenery and structure, complementing the seasonal blooms of hybrid witch hazel. Mugo pine (Pinus mugo), Otto Luykens cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luykens’), and Maryland Dwarf American Holly (Ilex opaca ‘Maryland Dwarf’) are all reliable choices.
Why is Witchhazel an Underutilized Landscape Plant?
Despite its many virtues, the hybrid witchhazel (Hamamelis x intermedia) is often overlooked by gardeners and landscapers, for various reasons:
Low-key Appearance When Not in Bloom: Outside of the winter months when they burst into bloom, hybrid witchhazels can have a rather unassuming appearance. This is especially true in the nursery, where they tend to be overshadowed by showier plants.
Limited Awareness of Winter Blooms: Many gardeners may not be fully aware of the hybrid witchhazel's unique ability to bloom in winter, a period often associated with dormant landscapes.
Availability and Exposure: The availability of hybrid witchhazels in nurseries and garden centers may vary, and not all locations may carry a diverse selection. Limited exposure to these plants can contribute to their underappreciation, as gardeners may not encounter them frequently while browsing.
Misconceptions About Witchhazels: Some gardeners may associate witchhazels with medicinal use and not realize their potential as ornamental plants with outstanding beauty.
Competition with Other Winter-Interest Plants: Several plants offer interesting winter features like colorful berries, textured bark, or evergreen foliage. Hybrid witchhazels face competition from these alternatives, especially when there is a lack of awareness about their unique winter flowers and their contribution to the winter landscape.