Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Hamamelis x intermedia 'Diane'
Diane Witch Hazel
- Family
- Hamamelidaceae
- Height
- 8 to 12 feet
- Width
- 8 to 12 feet
- Flower color
- Deep orange-red
- Foliage color
- Dark green, turning red and yellow in autumn
- Bloom time
- Mid to late winter
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate; prefers moist, well-drained soil
- Maintenance
- Low; prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and hummingbirds
About this plant
Hamamelis x intermedia 'Diane' is a deciduous shrub that produces rich copper-red flowers from mid to late winter, adding a bold splash of color to the dormant landscape. Each bloom consists of narrow, crinkled petals that emerge along bare branches, releasing a subtle fragrance. As the seasons progress, the dark green summer foliage transitions into a spectacular display of orange, red, and gold in autumn, making it one of the most vibrant witch hazels for fall color.
Originally introduced in Belgium in the 1960s, 'Diane' is widely regarded as one of the best red-flowering witch hazel cultivars. Compared to other varieties, its flowers are larger and more intensely pigmented, maintaining their deep red hue rather than fading to orange as some red-flowered selections do. This makes 'Diane' a distinctive choice for gardeners looking to enhance their winter and fall landscapes with long-lasting seasonal interest.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Fragrant Gardens · Winter Interest · Woodland Gardens
Companion plants
Catmint · Feather reed grass · Salvias · Coneflowers · Lavenders · Sedums
Design tip
The unusually rich red flowers make ‘Diane’ especially effective as a winter focal point. Position it where the bare branching structure can be seen clearly, allowing the intensely colored blooms to create their strongest display without competing winter color nearby.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Washington Park Arboretum.
