Name:  Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena’ aka  ‘Jelena’ Witch Hazel

Type of Plant: A large shrub that flowers in February.

Why I Love This Plant: Like other varieties of witch hazel, ‘Jelena’ flowers in the winter. It’s especially beautiful when the flowers are lit by the morning or evening sun. This shrub grows well in full sun to part-shade, and when in sun the fall foliage is more colorful.

A Word to the Wise:  These shrubs grow slowly, but they have an open habit and can get to be 12 feet tall and quite wide, so plant them accordingly. Think of this as a small tree instead of shrub you have to control, and you’ll be happy with it.

This witch hazel sprawls a bit, making it the perfect plant for a place where you don’t want thick coverage, but want a shrub that you can see through. 

Even as the flowers fade in March, they are lovely. Place this witch hazel where it is hit by the rising or setting sun, and enjoy the show.