A Real Head-Turner: Hamamelis x Intermedia 'Diane'

In our northern climate, it is tough to bring flowers into the landscape from November to April. While some early spring bulbs might bring some life to the barren landscape, nothing stops the wandering eyes like a flowering witchhazel.

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Diane'

There is a range of witchhazels to choose from, from the native (Hamamelis vernalis and H. virginiana) to the exotic (H. mollis and H. japonica). One real head-turner is Hamamelis x intermedia 'Diane, a cross between H. mollis and H. japonica, with copper-red flowers that persist for several weeks from late March to early April (at least in central PA). These flowers are said to be fragrant in various literature.

And why fragrant and showy flowers? Typically, those attributes serve as an attractant to pollinators to ensure the movement of pollen (plant sex). But we are talking about flowering that often occurs in winter when insect activity is almost non-existent. According to Harvard's Arnold Arboretum, flowers are pollinated by owlet moths. These moths can remain active in winter, even when temperatures drop to freezing conditions.

Witchhazel 'Diane' will grow to about 12-15 feet over ten years with wide-spreading branches, about 10 feet. While our native witchhazels are a little hardier (H. vernalis to zone 4 and H. virginiana to zone 3) than 'Diane', it will do well in all regions of Pennsylvania. 'Diane', like other witchhazels is not a one-hit-wonder either. In addition to its winter display of flowers, it provides nice fall color with a range of reds, oranges, and yellows.