Hamamelis x intermedia 'FEUERZAUBER'

Witch hazels are unique shrubs that offer profuse flowering at times when everything else in the garden looks dull and far from cheerful.

Feuerzauber is a witch hazel variety that is in English speaking countries marketed as FIRE CHARM, while a more accurate translation says ‘fire magic’ and that name really fits. When this shrub is at its blooming peak it does look like on fire. The flowers have the colour of the hottest flame of a fire torch – deep red with fiery orange. They are fringe-like and very fragrant, their perfume is stronger than on yellow flowering varieties and deeper fruity.

Another thing makes witch hazels very attractive – autumn foliage colour. The leaves are similar to hazel, rounded but larger and Feuerzauber, same as other red-flowering varieties, turn rich carmine and deep red in autumn with some fiery orange shades.

Witch hazel is a beautiful shrub or a small tree of an open vase shape, and thanks to its maximum size of about 3m it is ideal for even a small garden. Feuerzauber grows rather wider than tall at medium growth rate (about 20-30 cm per year).

Witch hazel hybrids are of garden-origin. They are a cross between Asian species h.japonica and h.mollis. Grow them in acid to neutral, moist but well drained soil. They don’t tolerate lime or hard pruning when older. Sunny location or light semi-shade is best. Fully hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5) but exposed sites are not recommended.

Last update 17-01-2014