Hamamelis intermedia Ruby Glow - Witch Hazel

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Ruby Glow', often nicknamed Witch Hazel, is a hardy bush with a very unique flowering. This appears at a time when the garden and flower beds are at rest and often bare, starting in January. It brightens up the season with its clusters of red filaments on naked stems. Its deciduous foliage also guarantees a spectacle in autumn, turning yellow and red, showcasing all these warm shades that ignite hedges.

Hamamelis is a bush that appreciates acidic soil with a fresh tendency (it is best to avoid drying winds). It thrives in the sun, if it is not too scorching. Otherwise, a semi-shaded exposure is recommended (of course, the flowering will be more discreet). Its slow growth allows it to be grown in a container when young. You can enjoy its magnificent colours on the terrace or near entrances. In the long run (after about ten years in open ground), it can reach a span of 3 to 4 metres. Its habit, rather rounded and spreading, fits well in hedges, but also forms beautiful focal points in flower beds. It has oval, wide leaves that are a beautiful light green when young. They are also marked by beautiful raised veins that give them a crumpled appearance (like hazel trees). Later on, they spread out and take on different colours: medium green in summer, then yellow, brick, copper... as the days shorten. It is then enhanced by being placed near evergreens to offer a varied palette. Its flowering occurs in winter. This is its main asset. It brings a touch of refinement and (apparent) fragility with small clusters of red flowers on its leafless stems. Composed of very narrow ribbons, 2-3cm (0.8 - 1.2in) long, gathered and tousled, it is very original. To highlight it, there are several possibilities. Backlit, its flowers capture the sunlight through dew and frost. And in front of evergreen foliage, this lovely ruby hue stands out more easily.

Indispensable for animating hedges or flower beds in autumn and winter, the Hamamelis x intermedia 'Ruby Glow' will thrive in most of our regions and does not require much attention. Place it near windows to admire its changing colours in autumn or at the back of the garden to encourage you to go out and witness its early flowering. You can then take some branches to decorate your interior.