Common Name:
Diane Witch Hazel
Jelena Witch Hazel

Scientific Name:
Hamamelis intermedia ‘Diane’
Hamamelis intermedia ‘Jelena’

Plant Description:

Very few things demonstrate the ending of Winter as well as the flowers and fragrance of Witch Hazel (Hamamelis). These small deciduous trees or woody shrubs are renowned for their attractive yellow, orange or red, wispy, scented, flowers that bloom on bare branches in Mid to Late Winter or Early Spring. While all are fragrant to some degree, some feature stronger fragrances than others. Some cultivars are also regarded for their attractive Fall foliage.

While there are several different species in the genus, the most common garden varieties are hybrids between the Chinese Witch Hazel, Hamamelis mollis and Japanese Witch Hazel, Hamamelis japonica, and are known as Hybrid Witch Hazels or Hamamelis x intermedia.

Plant Profile & Needs:

Witch Hazels perform best in moist, but well drained acidic soil. They do not grow well in heavy, wet or compact soil. Use mulch to cool roots, preserve moisture and assist in the plants growth. Avoid drought as it may stress or damage the plant. Although they will tolerate partial sunshine, Witch Hazels will flower better in Full Sun. If pruning is required, do so after flowering but before the Summer as to avoid damaging the growth of next years flower buds. Witch Hazels make a tasty treat for deer so keep them protected. Most Witch Hazels are hardy in zones 5-9 but many cultivars require a decent cold spell before they will be able to produce flowers.