Hamamelis intermedia 'Diane'
Hamamelis intermedia 'Diane'
Hamamelis intermedia 'Diane' — Witch Hazel
For those who find the yellow witch hazels too familiar, Hamamelis intermedia 'Diane' offers something altogether more dramatic. One of the darkest and most striking witch hazels in cultivation, 'Diane' produces deep copper-red to burnt orange, ribbon-like flowers on bare winter branches — a brooding, richly coloured display that stands apart from the more common yellow-flowered forms and commands genuine attention in the winter garden.
Come autumn, 'Diane' surpasses even its winter performance: the broad, textured leaves turn to an extraordinary blaze of orange, scarlet, and crimson — among the most vivid autumn colour of any witch hazel cultivar, and a display that rivals the finest Japanese maples for sheer intensity.
Why Choose Hamamelis 'Diane'?
- Deep copper-red to burnt orange winter flowers — one of the darkest, most dramatic witch hazels available
- Fragrant blooms on bare winter branches — a rich, spicy scent on cold winter air
- Exceptional autumn foliage in orange, scarlet, and crimson — among the finest of any witch hazel
- A bold alternative to yellow-flowered forms — ideal for gardeners seeking richer, deeper winter colour
- RHS Award of Garden Merit — a proven, long-lived performer in UK gardens
- Slow-growing and well-mannered — a worthy long-term investment for any premium planting scheme
Growing Conditions
Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained, neutral to acidic, humus-rich soil. Avoid shallow chalk or alkaline conditions. Shelter from cold, drying winds. Minimal pruning required — remove only dead or crossing branches immediately after flowering. Mulch annually to retain moisture and maintain soil acidity. Slow to establish but exceptionally long-lived and rewarding.
Couldn't load pickup availability
Out of stock
More details.
Planting Instructions
Planting Hamamelis 'Diane'
Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. A neutral to acidic soil is ideal. Choose a position with room for the mature spread and shelter from strong, drying winds.
Water thoroughly after planting and continue to water during dry spells through the first growing season. Apply a generous mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the base, keeping it clear of the stems.
Prune only if necessary, removing dead, damaged or crossing growth after flowering. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can spoil the naturally elegant form.
Size & Specification
Supplied in a 3 litre pot.
Hamamelis intermedia 'Diane' is a slow-growing deciduous shrub that can reach approximately 2.5 to 4 metres in height and a similar spread at maturity, depending on growing conditions and pruning.
Delivery & Dispatch
Hamamelis intermedia 'Diane' is supplied as a living plant in a 3 litre pot. Plants are carefully selected and packed for safe delivery, with dispatch planned around suitable weather conditions.
On arrival, unpack promptly, water if the compost is dry and stand the plant in a sheltered position until ready to plant. Keep the rootball moist but not waterlogged during establishment.
Wildlife & Ecological Notes
The late-winter flowers provide an early source of nectar and pollen for emerging bees and other beneficial insects when few other garden plants are in bloom.
Its branching habit provides structure and light shelter for garden wildlife, while the autumn foliage adds seasonal interest before leaf fall.