Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Hamamelis x intermedia 'Fire Charm'
Fire Charm Witch Hazel
- Family
- Hamamelidaceae
- Height
- 9 to 10 feet
- Width
- 10 to 14 feet
- Flower color
- Coppery orange suffused with red
- Foliage color
- Medium green, turning orange and red in autumn
- Bloom time
- Midwinter 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 8
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and hummingbirds
About this plant
Hamamelis x intermedia 'Fire Charm', also known by its German name 'Feuerzauber', is a deciduous shrub that blooms from January to March. It showcases coppery orange-red flowers with narrow, crinkled petals that emit a mild fragrance. These blossoms appear on bare branches, providing a vibrant display during the late winter months. As the seasons progress, the mid-green leaves turn shades of red and yellow in autumn, adding to its seasonal appeal.
Introduced in 1958 by Herm. A. Hesse Nurseries in Weener, Germany, 'Fire Charm' is recognized for its robust growth and vase-shaped form. A notable characteristic of this cultivar is its ability to retain flower color better than some other varieties as the blossoms age. Additionally, it boasts a fiery orange-red autumn foliage, enhancing its ornamental value throughout multiple seasons.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Fragrant Gardens · Winter Interest · Woodland Gardens
Companion plants
Russian sage · Blue fescues · Coreopsis · Yarrow · Daylilies · Creeping phlox
Design tip
The robust, vase-shaped habit gives ‘Fire Charm’ a strong architectural presence even when not in bloom. Give it room to develop its natural form, using the spreading branches to frame lower plantings while providing fiery color in winter and autumn.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Washington Park Arboretum.
