1 / 5

Key characteristics

Family: Hamamelidaceae
Height: Up to 15 feet
Width: Up to 15 feet
Flower color: Golden-yellow
Foliage color: Dark green, turning yellow in autumn
Bloom time: Late winter to early spring
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

Shrubs

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Winter Beauty'

Winter Beauty Witch Hazel

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Winter Beauty' is a deciduous shrub known for its exceptionally large, dark yellow flowers that bloom from mid-winter to early spring. The narrow, crinkled petals emerge along bare branches, filling the winter garden with a rich fragrance. As the seasons change, its dark green foliage transitions to bright yellow in autumn, adding another layer of seasonal interest.

This cultivar is a hybrid between Hamamelis japonica and Hamamelis mollis, combining desirable traits from both parent species.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate; prefers moist, well-drained soil

Bloom time

Late winter to early spring

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Fragrant Gardens
Winter Interest
Woodland Gardens

Companion plants

Tickseed · Russian sage · Potentilla · Fountain grass · Basket-of-gold · Lily of the Nile

Design tip

‘Winter Beauty’ benefits from companions that peak later in the season. Combine it with spring and summer flowering shrubs and perennials, allowing its large golden flowers to lead the display in winter before other plants take over.