This mid-winter blooming shrub is not only beautiful but it serves as an early food source for beneficial pollinators.
A favourite among winter visitors to the Garden–people and pollinators–we look forward to the day this stunning, deciduous shrub bursts into bold colour! That day has come – the vibrant Hamamelis x intermedia (Hybrid Witch Hazel) stands out against a backdrop of grey on this mid-winter day.
In biting sub-freezing temperatures, the flowers curl up to protect the delicate, frazzled petals, and unfurl with the return of warmer temperatures. Its heavy fragrance lingers, even in the frost, but once the spidery flowers have opened up, the scent draws in all manner of birds and pollinators.
The Witch Hazel is a low-maintenance shrub hardy to zone 5, and thrives in well-drained soil, under full sun to part-shade. With enough space, the Witch Hazel can grow up to 30’ high, and spread to 25’ across. Come see it for yourself in our terrace Garden behind the Pavilion.
