Witch hazels (Hamamelis) flower in late winter and early spring, when many other plants are dormant. The unusual, spidery flowers, in shades of yellow, orange and red, appear on bare stems and have a distinctive, spicy fragrance. Many also look great in autumn, when their leaves change colour before falling.

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Related: What to prune in winter

Witch hazels thrive in sun or partial shade, and they appreciate a slightly acidic soil, although they will cope on neutral soil if it has had plenty of organic matter incorporated and is well drained. They prefer a sheltered spot, protected from strong winds. Some varieties grow quite wide - something to bear in mind if space is an issue. Keep plants moist in summer.

Here are 10 of our favourite witch hazels to grow.


Hamamelis x intermedia 'Strawberries and Cream'

The flowers of Hamamelis x intermedia 'Strawberries and Cream' are a mix of pale yellow and a soft red.

Height x spread: 3.5m x 3.5m

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Strawberries and Cream'

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Aphrodite'

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Aphrodite' has slightly crimped, orange-red, strongly scented flowers. The leaves intense red before falling in autumn.

Height x spread: 4m x 4m

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Aphrodite'

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Westerstede'

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Westerstede' has yellow, slightly scented flowers. Its leaves fade to yellow before falling in autumn.

Height x spread: 3.5m x 3.5m

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Westerstede'

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Diane'

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Diane' has unusual, copper-red flowers with a light scent. The leaves turn a dramatic shade of yellow in winter.

Height x spread: 4m x 4m

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Diane'

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Arnold Promise'

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Arnold Promise' has bright yellow, curling flowers, which appear slightly later than those on other varieties. The leaves turn orange and red in autumn.

Height x spread: 4m x 4m

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Arnold Promise'

Hamamelis mollis 'Goldcrest'

Hamamelis mollis 'Goldcrest' is a Chinese witch hazel with large, golden yellow flowers tinged with maroon. They have a strong, sweet scent.

Height x spread: 4.5m x 4.5m

Hamamelis mollis 'Goldcrest'

Hamamelis mollis 'Brevipetala'

Hamamelis mollis 'Brevipetala' has strongly scented, deep ochre-yellow crinkled flowers, which become red at the base. The leaves turn bright yellow-orange before falling in autumn.

Height x spread: 3.5m x 3.5m

Hamamelis mollis 'Brevipetala'

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Savill Starlight'

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Savill Starlight’ bears showy, ribbon-like yellow flowers in late winter, and has good autumn colour.

Height x spread: 4.5m x 4.5m

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Savill Starlight'

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Barmstedt Gold'

'Barmstedt Gold' has large, golden-yellow flowers; leaves turn shades of orange and yellow in autumn.

Height x spread: 3m x 3.5m

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Barmstedt Gold'

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Pallida'

This popular variety has masses of yellow flowers in late winter and early spring. It offers great autumn colour, too, in shades of yellow, orange and red.

Height x spread: 2.5m x 3m

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Pallida'
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Looking for other witch hazels? Try Crocus, Thompson & Morgan and Gardening Express

Pruning witch hazels

Remove crossing or diseased branches in early spring, once the flowers have finished, and apply a mulch of well-rotted compost or manure around the base of the plant.

Need a new pair of pruners? Our experts have tested a range to find the best garden secateurs so you can buy in confidence.

10 best secateurs
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