Witch Hazel Hamamelis × intermedia 'Aurora'
ABOUT
The 'Aurora' variety of witch hazel is a deciduous shrub that is celebrated for its unique and striking flowers. Unlike many other plants, this witch hazel variety blooms in the late winter to early spring, bringing color to the garden at a time when most other plants are dormant. The flowers are particularly noted for their ribbon-like petals, which are a soft yellow-orange color, creating a warm and inviting appearance. These petals are slightly crinkled and elegantly twist and spiral, providing a whimsical and almost ethereal look. The foliage of the witch hazel 'Aurora' is also of interest, with leaves that emerge with a red or purple tinge before transitioning to a rich green as they mature. In the fall, the leaves take on a fiery display of colors, ranging from yellow to orange and red, adding to the plant's multi-season appeal. When the plant is in bloom, the flowers emit a fragrant scent that can provide a pleasant aromatic addition to the garden. The fragrance has been described as spicy or sweet, contributing to the overall sensory experience. This sensory combination of sight and smell makes the 'Aurora' witch hazel a desirable plant for winter gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hamamelidaceae
Synonyms
Hybrid Witch Hazel, Aurora Witch Hazel
Common names
Hamamelis × intermedia 'Aurora'.
ToxicityTo humans
Witch hazel, specifically the cultivar Hamamelis × intermedia 'Aurora', is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, there are typically no symptoms associated with poisoning from this plant, as ingestion of parts of this plant is generally considered safe. However, as with any plant material, individual reactions can vary, and it is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid consuming plants not specifically intended for human consumption.
To pets
Witch hazel, specifically the cultivar Hamamelis × intermedia 'Aurora', is not known to be toxic to pets. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning in pets from consuming this plant. Therefore, there should be no symptoms of toxicity in pets that ingest parts of this witch hazel. However, it is always recommended to prevent pets from eating plants as a precautionary measure.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
12 feet (3.6 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: Hamamelis x intermedia 'Aurora', commonly known as Witch Hazel 'Aurora', has showy and fragrant yellow flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring, adding color to the garden when few other plants are in bloom.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers provide nectar and pollen for foraging bees and other pollinators when few other sources are available.
- Seasonal Interest: Witch Hazel 'Aurora' offers multi-seasonal interest with its unique ribbon-like flowers in the winter and attractive green foliage that turns yellow to red in the fall.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is low maintenance, as it generally does not require much pruning or special care once established.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Witch Hazel 'Aurora' is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates or for reducing water usage.
- Hardiness: It is hardy in a wide range of climates and can tolerate temperatures typical of USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photographic Subject: The Witch Hazel 'Aurora' is often used as a subject for photographing due to its vibrant and colorful winter flowers, providing a rare splash of color in otherwise dormant gardens.
- Landscape Accent: Its spreading habit and richly colored blooms make it an excellent accent plant for winter interest in a landscape design.
- Wildlife Garden Plant: The Witch Hazel 'Aurora' can be included in wildlife gardens to provide shelter and foraging material for birds during the winter months.
- Waterwise Gardening: 'Aurora' can be used in xeriscaping or waterwise gardens due to its drought-tolerance once established, an unusual trait for a plant that blooms in winter.
- Natural Fencing: As it can grow to a substantial size, it can be used in hedges or natural screens, providing a measure of privacy along with aesthetic appeal.
- Seasonal Arrangements: The branches of Witch Hazel 'Aurora' with their striking yellow flowers can be cut and brought indoors for use in floral arrangements during the winter season.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use Witch Hazel 'Aurora' as botanical subjects for their work due to their unique flowers and structural form.
- Winter Gardens Theme: In winter gardens, 'Aurora' is planted for themed garden displays meant to peak during the colder season when most plants are not in bloom.
- Educational Use: Schools and educational institutions might plant Witch Hazel 'Aurora' to teach students about plant adaptations and winter blooming cycles.
- Cultural Events: Because of their unique winter-blooming characteristic, they can be used to mark seasonal events or festivals that celebrate the transition from winter to spring.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Witch Hazel is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Witch Hazel is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: As a member of the witch hazel family, Hamamelis × intermedia 'Aurora', commonly known as witch hazel, is traditionally associated with medicinal use, particularly for its astringent properties, symbolizing healing and the ability to soothe ailments.
- Protection: Witch hazel has historically been used in divination and protective charms, symbolizing safeguarding against negative influences and providing a shield from harm.
- Adaptability: Blooming in late winter or early spring, often while its branches are still covered in ice or snow, witch hazel symbolizes adaptability and the capacity to thrive amidst adversity.
- Purity: Its bright, fragrant flowers emerge during the purity of the late winter season, symbolizing cleanliness, renewal, and the fresh start that spring brings.
- Unique Charm: Witch hazel's distinctive, spidery flowers bloom at a time when few other plants do, symbolizing uniqueness and the beauty of standing out from the crowd.
WaterWitch Hazel should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure the root system is well hydrated; aim for about 1 inch of water per week. During the growing season in spring and summer, check the soil moisture regularly—at least once a week—and water if the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In the absence of rainfall, provide supplemental water. Reduce watering frequency in the fall and water only if there is an extended dry period, as Witch Hazel is somewhat drought tolerant once established. For newly planted specimens, water every two to three days to help them establish.
LightWitch Hazel thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily but will also do well in a spot with dappled light. Avoid deep shade, as too little light can reduce the plant's vigor and flowering potential.
TemperatureWitch Hazel is adaptable to a wide range of temperature conditions. It can tolerate winter temperatures down to about -20°F and can handle summer heat well. The ideal temperature range for Witch Hazel is between 30°F to 75°F.
PruningWitch Hazel should be pruned to maintain its shape and to remove any dead or diseased branches. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Lightly shape the plant if necessary but avoid heavy pruning, as this can reduce flowering. Prune every year to promote healthy growth and to maintain an attractive appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWitch Hazel 'Aurora' thrives in well-drained, loamy to sandy soil rich in organic matter. For the best soil mix, combine two parts garden soil, one part sand, and one part compost or well-rotted manure to ensure good drainage and fertility. The ideal soil pH for Witch Hazel 'Aurora' is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingWitch Hazel 'Aurora' is generally grown as a large shrub or small tree and does not require frequent repotting. It may be planted in the landscape where it can remain without the need for repotting. If grown in a container, repotting every 3 to 5 years or when it outgrows its current pot may be necessary.
Humidity & MistingWitch Hazel 'Aurora' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels and does not require special humidity considerations. This plant will do fine in the average outdoor humidity levels typical of its growing regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, keep soil moist, roomy pot.
Outdoor
Part-shade to full sun, moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Hamamelis × intermedia 'Aurora', commonly known as Witch Hazel 'Aurora', begins with seed germination in optimal conditions of moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. The seedling then develops into a young plant with distinctive large, oval to obovate leaves. As it matures, it forms a multi-stemmed shrub that can reach up to 12 to 15 feet tall and wide. Witch Hazel 'Aurora' is known for its fragrant yellow flowers with ribbon-like petals, which bloom in late winter to early spring before the foliage emerges. After pollination, typically by insects, the plant produces small, woody capsules that split open in the fall to release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout its life, Witch Hazel 'Aurora' may also be propagated vegetatively through cuttings or grafts, especially for cultivation purposes.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
The most popular method of propagation for the Witch Hazel 'Aurora' is softwood cuttings. This technique is usually carried out in late spring or early summer when the new growth is still flexible and has not fully hardened. Cuttings should be made from healthy, disease-free branches, about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length, with a sharp, clean tool to prevent damage to the parent plant. Each cutting must contain at least one set of leaves and should be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The prepared cuttings are then planted in a pot with a mixture of peat and perlite, covered with plastic to retain moisture, and placed in indirect light. Rooting typically occurs in 4 to 6 weeks, after which the new Witch Hazel plants can gradually acclimate to normal growing conditions.
