Key features
AwardsRHS Award of Garden Merit
Final size4 x 4 metres in 20 years
FoliageGreen leaves with autumn colour (deciduous)
FlowersRed winter flowers
SoilRequires clay, loam or sandy soil
Description
When the weather is grey and gloomy, the deep red of these winter flowers is a welcome change. They have a faint scent and the calyx of each flower is a purple/red creating real depth of colour – in our view the best of the Red Witch Hazels. Flowering from January to February, they are of great value to wildlife.
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Diane’ has large, green foliage that turns fiery shades of red, orange and yellow in autumn. The distinctive vase shaped, spreading structure of this Red Witch Hazel makes it beautiful even when bare.
Expect a height and spread of 4 x 4 metres in 20 years when given a well drained, acid – neutral soil in sun or partial shade. This wonderful Witch Hazel shrub will tolerate some exposure. ‘Diane’ is named after his daughter by plant breeder, Robert de Belder (who also named Hamamelis Jelena after his wife).
AKA Witch hazel Diane, Red witch hazel shrub, Hamamelis intermedia Diane
Planting Steps
1Preparation
- Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
- Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
- To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.
2Planting
- Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
- Ensure the top of the plant’s compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
- Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
- Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.
3Last Steps
- Water generously around the base of the plant.
- If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.
Aftercare Advice
Trees and shrubs require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.
For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.
