Hamamelis x intermedia, hybrid witch hazel
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Deciduous Shrubs

Hamamelis x intermedia

hybrid witch hazel

Hamamelidaceae

Hybrid of garden origin; H. japonica parent native to Japan; H. mollis parent native to central China

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height10–20 feet (3–6 m)
Width10–15 feet (3–4.5 m)
Maturity12 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 8
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Fragrant (moderate)
Maintenancelow

Overview

A large, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub or small tree reaching 10–20 feet (3–6 m) tall and 10–15 feet (3–4.5 m) wide, highly valued for its late-winter flowering — producing distinctively spidery, fragrant flowers on bare branches January through March when almost nothing else blooms. Flowers have four narrow, strap-like, slightly crinkled petals 0.5–0.75 inch (12–18 mm) long in pale yellow, yellow, orange, copper, or red depending on cultivar, with a sweet to spicy fragrance. Leaves broadly ovate, 3–5 inches (7.5–13 cm) long, mid-green in summer, turning excellent yellow to orange-red in fall. A hybrid between H. japonica (Japanese witch hazel) and H. mollis (Chinese witch hazel). Hardy in USDA zones 5–8.

Native Range

Hamamelis x intermedia is a hybrid of garden origin, a cross between Hamamelis japonica (Japanese witch hazel, native to Japan) and Hamamelis mollis (Chinese witch hazel, native to central China). Most named cultivars were selected in Europe and the United States during the 20th century.

Suggested Uses

Used as a large specimen shrub or small tree for winter interest, sited where flowers and fragrance can be appreciated from indoors or from garden paths near entries, windows, or seating areas. One of the most valuable winter-blooming shrubs for Pacific Northwest gardens. Fall color adds a second season of interest. Best planted against a dark evergreen background where the spidery winter flowers are visible. Allow adequate space — mature specimens are wide-spreading.

How to Identify

Identified in winter by the spidery flowers with four narrow, strap-like, crinkled petals on bare branches January through March, with a noticeable sweet to spicy fragrance. Broadly ovate 3–5 inch (7.5–13 cm) leaves with asymmetrical bases when in leaf. Vase-shaped to spreading multi-stem habit. Distinguished from Hamamelis virginiana (common witch hazel, a North American native) by flowering in late winter (January–March) rather than fall (October–November). Flowers survive light frost — petals curl in hard freeze and unfurl when temperatures rise.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10' - 20'
Width/Spread10' - 15'

Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow
orange
red
copper

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow
orange
red

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks
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Winter
Blooms January through March in Pacific Northwest lowlands, peaking in February. Flowers spidery, with four narrow strap-like petals 0.5–0.75 inch (12–18 mm) long in pale yellow (Arnold Promise, Pallida), yellow-orange (Jelena), copper-orange, or red (Diane, Ruby Glow) depending on cultivar. Fragrance sweet to spicy, noticeable from several feet on warm winter days. Flowers survive light frost without damage.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Four narrow, strap-like, slightly crinkled petals 0.5–0.75 inch (12–18 mm) long; pale yellow, yellow-orange, copper, or red depending on cultivar; fragrant

Foliage Description

Broadly ovate, 3–5 inches (7.5–13 cm) long with asymmetrical base, mid-green in summer; excellent yellow to orange-red in fall

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 6.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loam
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10–15 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Best flowering and fall color in full sun; tolerates part shade. Space 10–15 feet (3–4.5 m) apart. Water regularly during establishment — witch hazels establish slowly and resent drought stress. Avoid waterlogging and compacted wet subsoil. Apply 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) of organic mulch over the root zone. Virtually pest- and disease-free. Slow-growing at 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) per year.

Pruning

Prune immediately after flowering (March–April) if shaping is needed. Witch hazels develop an attractive vase-shaped to spreading form naturally — minimal intervention is ideal. Remove crossing or dead branches. Avoid fall or winter pruning, which removes flower buds. Hard rejuvenation pruning is possible but sets back flowering for 2–3 seasons.

Pruning Schedule

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late spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic