Duo of yellow and red witch hazel

This duo of Witch Hazels will brighten up the garden in winter, and again in autumn. These large, hardy deciduous shrubs are famous for their fragrant and colourful flowering that spreads from December to February. Their ribbon-shaped flowers, which appear before the foliage, enliven the shortest days of the year. And their declining autumn foliage in warm shades sets hedges and large beds ablaze.

The duo consists of:

1 Hamamelis x intermedia 'Diane': a bush that reaches a height of 3 to 4 metres, its burgundy red flowers appear from December to February. Its autumn foliage is a flamboyant orange-red.

1 Hamamelis mollis 'Pallida': also reaching a height of 3 to 4 metres, this variety bears pale yellow, fragrant flowers that mainly bloom in January, but sometimes until March depending on the climate. Its autumn foliage is a brilliant golden yellow.

Plant these witch hazels in early spring or autumn. They thrive in acidic to neutral, humus-rich, well-drained soils, in full sun or partial shade. They can be used in large beds, within an informal hedge, or as isolated specimens. Keep a distance of 2 metres between each plant to allow for proper development. These slow-growing shrubs can reach a spread of 3 to 4 metres.

To fully enjoy the beauty and fragrance of your witch hazels, plant them near the house or a pathway. They will be nicely showcased in front of a hedge of evergreen shrubs. To enhance your witch hazel duo, plant some hellebores in front of them, as these perennials will form a superb flower border in winter. Japanese maples, which offer magnificent foliage from spring to autumn, also make a harmonious combination with witch hazels. Consider also coloured stem dogwoods planted in the background. They will enhance the winter flowering of your witch hazels.