Hamamelis intermedia Rubin

Hamamelis x intermedia Rubin, also known as the Witch Hazel, gets its name from its foliage resembling that of the hazel tree. This tall bush or small tree, with an upright and rounded habit, is appreciated for its original, slightly fragrant flowers of dark red or ruby on purple-red calyxes. It is also appreciated for its ovate, veined leaves that turn into a mix of yellow, orange, and green before falling in autumn. This variety, considered one of the best red-flowering ones, has been given the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society in England. Witch Hazels are a beautiful starting point to finally create a winter scene in the garden, to be admired from a window or up close to observe and smell their amazing, brightly coloured flowers blooming on bare branches.

Hamamelis x intermedia Rubin is part of a group of cultivars resulting from the cross-breeding between Hamamelis japonica and H. mollis, originating respectively from Japan and China. All these plants belong to the witch hazel family, which also includes Loropetalum, Liquidambar, and Persian Ironwood. Rubin slowly forms a large, vigorous bush with a spreading habit and ascending branches, reaching 3.20 m (10 ft 6 in) in all directions when fully matured. Its deciduous foliage is composed of ovate leaves, initially yellowish-green with bronze reflections in spring, becoming dark green in summer, and then turning yellow and coppery orange with green patches in autumn, filling the garden with warm hues. Its fragrant flowers are just as delightful as its colourful foliage. They bloom abundantly on bare branches during January and February, composed of numerous elongated and curiously crinkled petals, almost claw-like like witch's fingers.

Hamamelis intermedia Rubin thrives in humus-rich, limestone-poor, moist, and light soils. It will be perfectly suited to a bright partial shade or winter sun exposure. Plant it in isolation or create a scene around it with Heucheras, Daphnes, and Sarcococca, Hellebores, and Winter Heather. It will also be magnificent in a mass planting, associated with evergreen shrubs such as an autumn camellia or an impressive Winter Sweet with yellow flowers.