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Key characteristics

Family: Hamamelidaceae
Height: 6 to 10 feet
Width: 10 to 15 feet
Flower color: Orange-red with reddish-purple calyx
Foliage color: Medium to dark green
Bloom time: Late winter, often around Christmas
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 4 to 8
Wildlife: Attracts bees and butterflies

Shrubs

Hamamelis vernalis 'Christmas Cheer'

Christmas Cheer Ozark Witch Hazel

Hamamelis vernalis 'Christmas Cheer' is a deciduous shrub that blooms from late fall into early winter, typically around Christmas time. It produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers with reddish petals and a yellow center, adding a touch of color and fragrance to the winter landscape. In autumn, its deep green leaves turn bright yellow, providing additional seasonal interest.

This cultivar is a selection of the Ozark witch-hazel (Hamamelis vernalis), native to the Ozark Plateau in central North America.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate; prefers moist, well-drained soil

Bloom time

Late winter, often around Christmas

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Pathways & Walkways
Winter Interest
Woodland Gardens

Companion plants

Hebe · Flowering quince · Crocus · Matilija poppy · Mallow · Sweet William

Design tip

The exceptionally early bloom makes ‘Christmas Cheer’ useful for creating interest around the winter holidays. Position it where the fragrant orange-red flowers can be seen from a window or along a frequently used winter walkway.