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Hamamelis × intermedia 'Foxy Lady'
witch hazel
When the garden feels at its quietest, this striking shrub steps in with rich winter colour. Upright, ascending branches form...
3 litre pot
available to order from late spring
1
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Plant description
When the garden feels at its quietest, this striking shrub steps in with rich winter colour. Upright, ascending branches form an elegant vase shape, creating a strong architectural outline that looks good even before the flowers appear.
From January into early spring, bare stems are lined with clusters of dark scarlet, lightly scented flowers, each one made up of long, narrow, slightly twisted petals set against deep burgundy sepals. The blooms stand out brilliantly against the winter backdrop and become more generous as the plant establishes.
Through summer, broadly ovate leaves in mid to dark green fill out the framework, carrying a soft, slightly felted texture before turning warm shades of yellow, orange and red in autumn. Hamamelis × intermedia 'Foxy Lady' thrives in moist, well-drained, acid to neutral soil and suits a sunny or lightly shaded spot where its winter flowers can be enjoyed up close. Plant it as a focal point in a mixed border or as a standalone specimen and you’ll have reliable structure, scent and seasonal colour wrapped up in one hardy, easy-care shrub.
From January into early spring, bare stems are lined with clusters of dark scarlet, lightly scented flowers, each one made up of long, narrow, slightly twisted petals set against deep burgundy sepals. The blooms stand out brilliantly against the winter backdrop and become more generous as the plant establishes.
Through summer, broadly ovate leaves in mid to dark green fill out the framework, carrying a soft, slightly felted texture before turning warm shades of yellow, orange and red in autumn. Hamamelis × intermedia 'Foxy Lady' thrives in moist, well-drained, acid to neutral soil and suits a sunny or lightly shaded spot where its winter flowers can be enjoyed up close. Plant it as a focal point in a mixed border or as a standalone specimen and you’ll have reliable structure, scent and seasonal colour wrapped up in one hardy, easy-care shrub.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth
Slow growing
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Hamamelis × intermedia Foxy Lady:
Choose a position in sun or light dappled shade with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Incorporate plenty of well-rotted compost or leaf mould at planting and avoid very exposed or waterlogged sites, as these can stress the plant. Once planted, water well and stake young specimens if needed to keep them steady until established.
Water regularly during dry periods, especially in the first few years, to help the roots establish deeply. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of compost, leaf mould or well-rotted manure around the base in spring, keeping it clear of the trunk, to conserve soil moisture and improve condition. Witch hazel benefits from consistent moisture but dislikes heavy feeding, so a light top-dressing of balanced fertiliser in spring is sufficient.
Hamamelis requires minimal pruning. In early spring after flowering, remove any dead, diseased, crossing or misplaced branches to maintain a neat framework. Avoid heavy pruning as this can spoil the natural shape and reduce next year’s flowers; a light thinning is all that’s needed.
We always recommend these plants for a border or open ground location rather a pot.
Water regularly during dry periods, especially in the first few years, to help the roots establish deeply. Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of compost, leaf mould or well-rotted manure around the base in spring, keeping it clear of the trunk, to conserve soil moisture and improve condition. Witch hazel benefits from consistent moisture but dislikes heavy feeding, so a light top-dressing of balanced fertiliser in spring is sufficient.
Hamamelis requires minimal pruning. In early spring after flowering, remove any dead, diseased, crossing or misplaced branches to maintain a neat framework. Avoid heavy pruning as this can spoil the natural shape and reduce next year’s flowers; a light thinning is all that’s needed.
We always recommend these plants for a border or open ground location rather a pot.
Please note:
This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
