Common name: Witch Hazel 'Jelena'

Description: This magnificent cultivar is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular winter-flowering shrubs available, producing an unforgettable display of warm-toned blooms during the bleakest months. From late winter through to early spring, the bare architectural branches become smothered in masses of spidery, ribbon-like flowers in glowing shades of copper-orange suffused with red, creating an almost flame-like effect. The sweetly fragrant blooms are remarkably frost-resistant and can last for several weeks, providing invaluable warmth and colour when little else is flowering. In autumn, 'Jelena' delivers a second spectacular show when the large, rounded leaves transform into brilliant shades of orange, red, and purple-red, often considered amongst the finest autumn colour of any witch hazel. The vigorous, vase-shaped habit creates excellent year-round structure and makes this an outstanding specimen plant.

Other benefits: winter flowering, sweetly fragrant blooms, exceptional autumn colour, architectural form, vigorous growth, long-lived, low maintenance

Wildlife attraction: bees, early pollinators, winter-active insects

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 2.5m x 2m

Position: full sun to partial shade; flowers and autumn colour best in good light with some shelter

Soil pH: prefers neutral to acidic conditions; dislikes very alkaline soils

Moisture: moderate watering required; prefers consistently moist but well-drained soil; benefits from mulching to retain moisture

Winter hardiness: very cold hardy to -25°C