Hamamelis x intermedia 'Diane' 
(Diane Witch Hazel)

Origin:  Hybrid
Family:  Hamamelidaceae
Light:  Sun-part shade
Height:  12-20'
Spacing:  3-4'
Blooms:  Fragrant, showy, axilliary clusters, 1-3" long, fragrant red, crinkly, 4 narrow, crinkled petals, late Winter, on bare branches, before leaves appear
Foliage:  6", deciduous, oval, broad,  blue-green on surface, whitish undersides. Witch Hazel-like
Soil:  Well-drained, moist, acidic,, loamy, peaty, acidic
Water:  Regular
Uses:  Ornamental, landscape, Fall interest, foundation, border, woodland garden, screen, specimen, hedge
Propagation:  Seeds (Sow directly in Fall), softwood cuttings, suckers

Comments:  Hamamelis x intermedia 'Diane' or Diane Witch Hazel is a lovely large deciduous shrub with an upright, branching growth habit.  It is a showy hybrid, a cross between Hamellis aponica and Hamellia mollis.  In late Winter or early Spring, Hamamelis intermedia 'Diane' produces axilliary clusters of red flowers appearing on bare branches.  It has oval, broad, blue-green foliage with whitish undersides.  Diane Witch Hazel is easily propagated from softwood cuttings or suckers.  It performs best in well-drained, moist, acidic, rich soil in a sunny to part shade location.  It produces more blooms if grown in full sun.    Hamamelis intermedia 'Diane' is low maintenance and forms colonies with its suckering roots.  Remove suckers to control spread.  Diane Witch Hazel can be trimmed to desired shape and size.  It is an excellent tree for providing interests all year long.  In Fall, the lush green foliage in Spring turns to a gorgeous yellow and red, adding much needed colors to the landscape.  In Winter, Diane Witch Hazel steals the show when exotic looking fragrant red flowers adorn the tree, attracting lots of attention.  This terrific show stopper makes a great foundation plant or grow it as an understory under a taller older tree.   Hamamelis intermedia 'Diane' stands out in the year round landscape.

USDA Zones:  5-9