While the blooms of other woody plants are locked in winter’s embrace, the branches of this unusual shrub are studded with unusual flowers composed of clusters of narrow, strappy stamens. Prime time for witch hazels in our own arboretum is late January through mid-February. They were especially tantalizing topped with snow.

Winter bloom is enough reason to grow this great plant that thrives in many regions of the U.S. and Canada. Fall color is often spectacular, and varies with the cultivar. All have rich green textured foliage and an upright, spreading, low-branched growth habit with height and spread of approximately 10 feet. Several are described below. Hardiness is USDA Zone 5 except for Pallida, which is rated hardy through Zone 6.

Arnold Promise Witch Hazel flowers heavily. Its pendulous, strappy yellow flowers are unique and among the brightest of the Hamamelis blooms. Fall foliage color is a bright, buttery yellow.

Diane Witch Hazel sports bright orange-red fall color. Late winter flowers are crimson-red. Textured green foliage and upright, spreading branches provide interesting form throughout the year.

Jelena Witch Hazel is beautiful in spring and fall. It glows in late winter, when its long strap-like stamens are a bright coppery orange. This cultivar is also known as "Copper Beauty." Fall color is bright orange.

Pallida Witch Hazel flowers are a soft, pale yellow, giving the plant a delicate, understated appearance in early spring. Fall color is yellow.

Primavera Witch Hazel bears large, bright yellow spidery flowers on its bare branches in late winter. Sweetly scented flowers are purple at the center and surrounded by long strap shaped yellow stamens. Flowers are followed by green leaves that turn golden yellow in the fall.