Jelena Witch Hazel Shrub

Jelena is a spreading hybrid witch hazel with fragrant, coppery-orange, spidery flowers on bare branches in winter. It also provides green spring and summer foliage followed by yellow autumn colour. [Cambridge University Botanic Garden](https://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/the-garden/plant-list/hamamelis-x-intermedia-jelena/) describes this selection’s form, foliage, and growing conditions; [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hamamelis-x-intermedia-jelena/) confirms the copper-coloured winter flowers and landscape uses. ## Form and placement Allow about 8–13 feet for the mature height and spread. Plant it as a specimen, in a mixed shrub border, or as a hedge or screen where its winter flowers can be enjoyed. Full sun to partial shade suits the shrub. It grows best in fertile, moist but well-drained soil with an acidic to neutral reaction. The hybrid is derived from Japanese and Chinese witch hazels, and Jelena was raised at Kalmthout Arboretum in Belgium. ## Seasonal interest The narrow, four-petalled flowers open during the winter and have a sweet fragrance. Spring and summer leaves provide a green backdrop before turning yellow in autumn. The branching habit is upright to spreading, so allow room for a broad crown. ## Maintenance Keep soil moist but well drained, especially while the shrub establishes. Flowers form on older growth, so if pruning is needed, do it soon after flowering to avoid removing the next display. Check the mature spread when selecting a site.