Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Aphrodite’ (Witch Hazel)

Prized for its attractive winter blooms and lovely fall colors, Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Aphrodite’ (Witch Hazel) is a vigorous, spreading, deciduous shrub with good lateral branch habit. large, slightly fragrant, copper-red flowers appear in late winter. Each flower consists of 4 ribbon-like, fairly straight, slightly crimped, strap-shaped petals with a reddish-purple calyx. Clustered along the leafless branches, the flowers unfurl their spidery petals on mild days. But on cold days, they curl up again and nearly close up to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. Hardy, this flowering shrub sports broadly oval dark green leaves, which turn attractive shades of yellow and red in fall.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Grows up to 6-10 ft. tall (180-300 cm) and 8-12 ft. wide (240-360 cm)
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Prefers organically rich, moist, acidic soils. Best flowering in full sun. Consistent moisture is best.
• Mass in mixed shrub borders for dramatic winter blooms. Great flowering shrub for cottage gardens, woodland gardens or as a screen and hedge. Perfect as a specimen plant.
• Keep an eye out for coral spot and honey fungus.
• Deer: Witch hazel is generally considered to be deer-resistant due to its bitter taste and strong scent. However, it is important to note that deer browsing habits can vary depending on factors such as the time of year, availability of other food sources, and the specific population of deer in the area.
• Promptly remove any suckers to prevent spread.
• No regular pruning is required. Simply remove any dead, damaged, or weak shoots. Prune in spring after flowering if you need to control shape and size.
• Propagate by simple layering of suitable shoots in spring; grafting in late winter and chip budding can be carried out in late summer.
• Hamamelis x intermedia is a hybrid of garden origin between Hamamelis japonica and Hamamelis mollis.