Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena’
Jelena Witch Hazel
- Family
- Hamamelidaceae
- Height
- 10 to 15 feet
- Width
- 10 to 15 feet
- Flower color
- Coppery-orange to reddish-orange
- Foliage color
- Medium to dark green
- Bloom time
- Late winter
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Average
- Maintenance
- Low-maintenance
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Hummingbirds
About this plant
Hamamelis x intermedia 'Jelena' is a deciduous shrub celebrated for its striking coppery-orange to reddish-orange flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring before the foliage emerges, with this fragrant display lasting several weeks and adding color to the winter landscape. With an open, spreading habit and gracefully arching branches, it has an attractive silhouette even when not in bloom.
Its broad, oval-shaped leaves are medium to dark green during the growing season, turning shades of yellow or orange in fall before dropping. 'Jelena' thrives in moist, well-draining soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. Low-maintenance and tolerant of various soil types, it is prized by gardeners for its year-round interest.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Fragrant Gardens · Winter Interest · Woodland Gardens
Companion plants
Spirea · Feather reed grass · Catmint · Shasta daisy · Candytuft · Ornamental onion
Design tip
The open, spreading habit and gracefully arching branches give ‘Jelena’ an attractive natural silhouette. Allow plenty of room around the shrub so its branching structure remains visible, particularly when the coppery-orange flowers cover the bare stems in winter.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Washington Park Arboretum.
