Species witch hazel
Red flower with burgundy center, yellow anthers and brown stems.

witch hazel

Hamamelis intermedia 'Fire Cracker'

Witch hazel (Hamamelis intermedia 'Fire Cracker') is an amazing plant species for any garden. Showy 2-3 inch flowers appear in the fall, providing interest when other plants have finished blooming. Its beautiful yellow and red color combination illuminates the garden once the leaves have withered. Moreover, it produces a delicious, sweet-smelling scent, attracting pollinators. As an added bonus, it also provides winter interest with its attractive golden-yellow twigs and grows up to 10 ft tall. It's extremely hardy and easy to care for, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced gardeners. Witch hazel is truly an amazing species for any landscape!

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Copper to red-orange Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Witch hazel (Hamamelis intermedia 'Fire Cracker') should be watered regularly but lightly. Aim to keep the soil between the plant and the container moist, but not soggy or overly wet. Water approximately once a week or when the surface of the soil begins to feel dry. Overwatering can cause root rot so the key is to find a balance. When watering, use tepid, not cold, runoff-free water, slowly adding enough until it begins to drip out of the drainage holes. During the hot summer months, witch hazel may require more frequent watering, every 3 to 4 days. During the winter, when the plant is dormant, you can reduce the amount of water, allowing the top of the soil to dry out between watering.

sunlight

Witch hazel is a hardy plant species that prefers full sun to partial shade. It typically needs at least 6 hours of direct sun during the growing season and is able to tolerate even more. When grown in full sun locations, the shrub produces the most vibrant and stunning fall colors. During the winter months, however, it should be protected from harsh sunlight, especially on warm days when the sun is at its strongest. For best results, place witch hazel in a location that receives some sunlight in the morning, but that is shaded by trees or buildings during the afternoon.

pruning

Witch hazel (Hamamelis intermedia 'Fire Cracker') should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Pruning should be minimal; simply trim away dead branches and any offshoots that are developing too close together, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against other branches. This shrub is naturally dense and rounded and requires no shearing. Thin out the oldest and thickest stems by a third if desired, but avoid over pruning.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Hamamelis intermedia 'Fire Cracker' typically starts flowering in late winter or early spring, usually between February and April.

Starts Flowering

Hamamelis intermedia 'Fire Cracker' typically starts flowering in late winter or early spring, usually between February and April.

Hardiness Map