Orange Blooming Witch Hazel

‘Jelena’ witch hazel is a vase-shaped, deciduous hybrid with lightly scented coppery-orange flowers that cling to bare twigs in winter. The flowers are followed by green summer leaves that turn yellow, orange, and red in autumn, giving this cultivar interest beyond its bloom season ([North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hamamelis-x-intermedia-jelena/common-name/witch-hazel/); [RHS cultivar guide](https://rhs.crocdn.co.uk/plants/_/hamamelis--intermedia-jelena/classid.3910/)). ## Landscape Use Plant ‘Jelena’ as a specimen or in a border where its tiered branching and winter flowers can be seen close by. It also suits an open woodland edge or a loose screen, but its mature spread needs room. North Carolina Extension reports an eventual height of 8–12 feet, while the RHS lists 2.5–4 m for both height and spread; the catalog’s existing 3 m height and width points fit within these reported ranges. ## Growing Conditions Site it in sun or light, dappled shade with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. A slightly acidic to neutral soil is suitable. Water regularly during dry weather, especially in the first years after planting, and avoid waterlogged or highly exposed locations that can stress the shrub. ## Maintenance Witch hazel needs little pruning. After flowering, remove dead, diseased, crossing, or misplaced branches, and keep pruning light because flowers form on older growth. A spring mulch of compost or leaf mould helps conserve moisture; keep it away from the trunk.