Red Blooming Witch Hazel

‘Diane’ witch hazel is a broad, deciduous hybrid shrub whose fragrant, crinkled flowers range from deep orange-red to copper-red, with dark purple sepals. The flowers open on bare branches in mid to late winter, and the foliage can turn red and yellow in autumn ([RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/99236/hamamelis-%C3%97-intermedia-diane/details); [University of Copenhagen Arboretum](https://ign.ku.dk/arboretum-hoersholm/plant_descriptions/february_hamamelis_x_intermedia_diane/)). ## Landscape Use Use ‘Diane’ as a specimen near a path or window, or in a shrub border where its winter flowers stand out against darker backgrounds. Its open, broad-crowned habit needs room to mature; the RHS gives a mature height and spread of 2.5–4 m, and the Copenhagen arboretum reports a 4 m plant while noting that its own specimen grew more slowly. The flowering twigs can also be cut for indoor arrangements. ## Growing Conditions Choose full sun or partial shade and moist but well-drained soil. The RHS lists clay, loam, and sand as suitable soil textures and acid to neutral pH as preferred. Protect the site from persistent drying winds where practical, and expect the exact flower and autumn-leaf shades to vary with light and season. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and extended dry spells, then keep a light mulch over the root zone. After flowering, remove dead or crossing branches and any unwanted shoots from below the graft if present; avoid heavy pruning because it can remove future flower-bearing growth.