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Key characteristics

Family: Hamamelidaceae
Height: 8 to 16 feet
Width: 8 to 16 feet
Flower color: Burgundy-purple
Foliage color: Green in spring and summer, turning rich red-purple in autumn
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Average moisture
Maintenance: Low; minimal pruning after flowering if necessary
Growing zone: USDA zones 6 to 9
Wildlife: Attracts bees and hummingbirds

Shrubs

Hamamelis vernalis 'Purpurea'

Purple Ozark Witch Hazel

Hamamelis vernalis 'Purpurea' is a deciduous shrub native to the Ozark Plateau in central North America, encompassing regions of Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. This cultivar blooms from late winter into early spring, producing fragrant flowers with burgundy-purple, ribbon-like petals that emerge along its leafless branches. The blossoms provide a vibrant display during a time when few other plants are in bloom.

A distinguishing feature of 'Purpurea' is its unique floral coloration; while the species typically exhibits rusty orange flowers, this cultivar showcases rich burgundy-purple hues.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Average moisture

Bloom time

Late winter to early spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Fragrant Gardens
Winter Interest
Woodland Gardens

Companion plants

Juniper · Beautyberry · Larkspur · Pincushion flower · Wallflower · Grape hyacinth

Design tip

The burgundy-purple flowers give ‘Purpurea’ a distinctly different character from golden-flowered witch hazels. Use it as a winter focal point where its unusual coloring can be appreciated on bare branches, followed by another strong foliage display in autumn.