Plant of the Month February - Witch Hazel 'Feuerzauber'

In February the winter is still very present, with greys and browns dominating nature. Which makes it all the more impressive when the first early bloomers in the garden introduce a whisper of spring into this rather dreary season. The Hamamelis intermedia 'Feuerzauber' - our plant of the month for February - flowers in a particularly striking fashion.

 

At a time when the buds of many plants are hardly visible, the witch hazel is already busy adorning itself in its riotous, blossoming splendour. From January to February it is to be seen in bright yellows, oranges and reds. The 'Feuerzauber' ('Fire Magic') variety has a deep red to brownish-violet calyx. It is surrounded by long, dark red petals, which become lighter towards the tip. The leaves appear only after the plant has flowered. They're ovoid, dark green and have a bright yellow-red colour in autumn to match their name.

 

The sun-like, bright flowers of the witch hazel give off an extremely pleasant scent and are particularly effective when set against light backgrounds. The plant's funnel-shaped, expansive growth and eye-catching blossom also make it a perfect solitary plant for your garden. When planting in groups, a distance of 2-2.5 m should be maintained. The Hamamelis 'Feuerzauber' can reach a height of 3m and a width of 2.5m.

 

 

The Hamamelis intermedia is very frugal and makes no special demands on its location. It prefers fresh to moist garden soils as well as a sunny and protected location to be able to properly show off the bounteousness of its bloom. The witch hazel doesn't need to be trimmed for rejuvenation or maintenance reasons. In fact the pruning shears should only be used for small cuts in height or width.

 

You can find the Hamamelis intermedia other garden plants to take away in our private sales gardens 'Baum & Blüte' in Baden-Baden and Kleinziethen.