Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Vesna’ (Witch Hazel)

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Vesna’ is a large, upright, deciduous shrub with very fragrant, yellow-orange flowers in late winter to early spring. Rich with a sweet and strong scent, each flower consists of 4 ribbon-like, twisted, and slightly crimped, strap-shaped petals slightly tinted red at their base. The calyx is deep claret-red. 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. Upright when young, becoming vase-shaped with age, this Witch Hazel sports broadly oval dark green leaves, which turn attractive shades of orange, yellow, and red in fall.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Grows up to 10-12 ft. tall (300-360 cm) and 6-9 ft. wide (180-270 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, phytophthora root rot, 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.