Hybrid Witch Hazels Are Blooming
March 2, 2022Hybrid witch hazels are in bloom! Here are a few favorites to look for on your next visit or enjoy from home.
Hamamelis ×intermedia 'Orange Beauty', growing near the Perkins Visitor Center, is illuminated every evening by the setting sun; notable features include its long petals and persistent seed capsules.
Hamamelis ×intermedia 'Rochester' is tucked in the Gold Border with another witch hazel, Hamamelis ×intermedia 'Candlelight Vigil' (not pictured). 'Rochester' produces an extraordinary fragrance on a sunny day, but its small flowers are partially obscured by retained leaves.
Hamamelis ×intermedia 'Gingerbread' is near the Perkins Visitor Center and has long, extra-curly petals—so curly the sides are puckered! This tree also retains its leaves, but we hope it will age out of this phase. Retention of dead leaves is called marcescence; sometimes this trait occurs on juvenile trees like Fagus grandifolia (American beech), but sometimes it is species-specific, as with Lindera angustifolia (oriental spicebush).
Hamamelis ×intermedia 'Primavera' brightens up the space outside Wave Hill House with neon-yellow petals. In contrast with the wine-red center of the flower, the central tip of each petal takes on a rosy hue.
Hamamelis ×intermedia ‘Arnold Promise’ is our largest and oldest witch hazel hybrid, located along the new entrance path. Make sure to look up!
This next shot is a second one of Hamamelis ×intermedia ‘Arnold Promise’, standing along the new entrance path. This tree was planted in 1975.
Hamamelis ×intermedia ‘Birgit’ is a red flowering type that glows under the afternoon sun. Unveiled by the new entrance design, find it growing at the start of the permeable pathway along with Pieris japonica cvs. (Japanese andromeda). Take the entrance path that leads towards Glyndor for the best view of this tree.
Parrotia persica (Persian ironwood), our last shot, is also a member of the witch hazel family, Hamameliadace. Find this species at the Shade Border and parking lot entrance.
Hamamelis ×intermedia and other witch hazel relatives, including parrotia, will be blooming for the next couple of weeks.
Jess Brey,
Ruth Rea Howell Senior Horticultural Interpreter
