Hamamelis x intermedia 'STOLWIJK RED'

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

Stolwijk Red is considered so far the best red flowering variety of witch hazel. It was selected by Leo Geers around 2000 and introduced by Joh. Stolwijk & Söhne nursery in Boskook, the Netherlands. The fringed flowers are rich red and come out very early, already in January if the winter is mild, and continue blooming for about 8 weeks. They are very fragrant, releasing a strong, sweet, and spicy perfume on a sunny day.

Another thing makes witch hazels very attractive – autumn foliage colour. The leaves are similar to hazel, rounded but larger, medium green in summer and golden orange and scarlet red in autumn.

Witch hazel is a mid-sized 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. Stolwijk Red has broader habit with even branching.

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 09-03-2023