Hybrid witch hazel Hamamelis x intermedia
Hybrid witch hazel (Hamamelis x intermedia) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Hamamelidaceae family, native to Hybrid of Chinese and Japanese Hamamelis species (garden origin). It grows 3–4.5 m (10–15 ft) tall and 3–4.5 m (10–15 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -29 °C (-20 °F). Space plants about 3.5 m (11 ft) apart.
Plan Hybrid witch hazel in your garden →
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Hybrid witch hazel at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Hamamelidaceae |
| Mature height | 3–4.5 m (10–15 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–4.5 m (10–15 ft) |
| Spacing | 3.5 m (11 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -29 °C (-20 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about February for 3–8 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Hybrid of Chinese and Japanese Hamamelis species (garden origin) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Hybrid witch hazel toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not listed as toxic by the ASPCA; distilled extracts are used topically.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Hybrid witch hazel
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Hybrid witch hazel in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- New York Botanical Garden (4 plants)
Questions about Hybrid witch hazel
- How far apart should I plant Hybrid witch hazel?
- About 3.5 m (11 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–4.5 m (10–15 ft).
- Does Hybrid witch hazel need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Hybrid witch hazel need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Hybrid witch hazel?
- It tolerates about -29 °C (-20 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Hybrid witch hazel flower?
- From about February for 3–8 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Hybrid witch hazel poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not listed as toxic by the ASPCA; distilled extracts are used topically.
- What grows well with Hybrid witch hazel?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Hybrid witch hazel. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Flowers in mid to late winter on bare branches; bloom date varies by cultivar from January to March.
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Chinese fringe flower Loropetalum chinense
- Persian ironwood Parrotia persica
- Buttercup winter hazel (hyūgamizuki) Corylopsis pauciflora
- Chinese witch hazel Hamamelis mollis
- American witch hazel (common witch hazel) Hamamelis virginiana
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens