Jelena Witch Hazel

Hamamelis x intermedia 'Jelena'

Nature Hills Nursery

Tree

Hardy in zones 5-8 with fragrant copper-orange ribbon-like blooms that appear in late winter before any leaves emerge
Flowers are remarkably frost-tolerant, opening during mild spells from January through March and perfuming the winter garden
Outstanding fall color display with leaves turning vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow before dropping
Vase-shaped multi-stemmed form reaches 12-15 feet tall and wide, creating a substantial focal point with minimal maintenance required

$102⁴⁰

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Jelena performs best with four to six hours of sun daily. Full sun produces the most abundant blooms and the best fall color, but afternoon shade in hot climates prevents leaf scorch in summer. This witch hazel tolerates more shade than most flowering shrubs, though flowering decreases in deep shade.

Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter with an acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Amend clay soils with compost and peat moss before planting to improve drainage and acidity. Sandy soils benefit from generous organic matter to improve moisture retention. Avoid alkaline soils, which can cause chlorosis and poor performance.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply once a week during the first two growing seasons to establish the root system. Jelena appreciates consistent moisture and performs poorly in drought conditions. Once established, the plant still benefits from supplemental water during dry spells, especially in summer. Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture and keep roots cool.

Pruning Tips

Minimal pruning needed. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter immediately after flowering finishes. Witch hazels bloom on old wood, so pruning after the flowers fade ensures you won't sacrifice next year's display. Avoid heavy pruning or shaping as this plant naturally develops an attractive vase shape. If you must reduce size, do so gradually over several years rather than all at once.

Fertilizer Needs

Feed lightly in early spring with an acid-loving plant fertilizer formulated for azaleas and rhododendrons. A slow-release granular product applied once annually provides all the nutrition Jelena needs. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that push leafy growth at the expense of flowers. If your soil is naturally acidic and rich in organic matter, you can skip fertilizing altogether and simply top-dress with compost each spring.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6	Week of March 2nd
Zone 7	Week of February 23rd
Zone 8-12	Week of February 15th

Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Jelena Witch Hazel (Hamamelis x intermedia 'Jelena') transforms the late winter garden into something extraordinary when its fragrant copper-orange blooms unfurl along bare branches. This hybrid witch hazel, sometimes called 'Copper Beauty' in European markets, is among the showiest cultivars you can grow, with flowers in warm shades of coppery orange to red-orange that seem to glow against winter's muted landscape.

Winter Spectacle

The real magic happens from January through March, depending on your climate, when hundreds of spidery flowers emerge along every branch. Each bloom consists of four ribbon-like petals that curl and twist in cold weather, then relax during warmer spells. The flowers release a sweet, slightly spicy fragrance that carries on mild days, often attracting the first bees and other pollinators of the season. Unlike many early bloomers that get damaged by frost, Jelena's flowers are remarkably cold-hardy and simply curl up during freezes, then reopen when temperatures rise.

Four-Season Interest

While the late winter blooms are the main event, Jelena earns its place in the garden year-round. The foliage emerges in spring as rounded, slightly wavy leaves that provide a clean green backdrop through summer. Come fall, this witch hazel stages a second show when the leaves transform into a spectacular display of orange, red, and yellow before dropping. The multi-stemmed, vase-shaped form creates strong architectural presence even in winter.

Landscape Uses

Jelena works beautifully as a specimen plant where you can appreciate the winter blooms from a window or path. Plant it near an entrance, patio, or other frequently traveled area so you won't miss the fragrance. The substantial mature size of 12 to 15 feet tall and wide makes it suitable for larger landscapes, woodland edges, or as a backdrop for spring bulbs and perennials. Underplant with early bloomers like snowdrops, hellebores, and early daffodils to extend the seasonal interest.

Why Jelena Belongs in Your Garden

If you crave color during the bleakest months of the year, Jelena Witch Hazel delivers. This is one of the earliest substantial shrubs to bloom, often flowering when snow is still on the ground. The combination of fragrance, cold hardiness, brilliant fall color, and low maintenance makes Jelena a valuable investment that rewards you for decades with minimal care.

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Growing Zones 5-8

Find Your Growing Zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

When exactly does Jelena Witch Hazel bloom?

Jelena typically blooms from late January through March, depending on your climate and winter weather. In zone 5, expect blooms in February and March. In warmer zone 7 and 8 gardens, flowering often begins in January. Mild winter days trigger the flowers to open, while cold snaps cause them to curl up protectively until temperatures rise again.

How long does it take for Jelena to reach full size?

Witch hazels are slow growers, typically adding 6 to 12 inches per year. Expect Jelena to reach 8 to 10 feet in about 10 years and achieve its mature size of 12 to 15 feet in 15 to 20 years. The wait is worthwhile as the plant becomes more spectacular with age.

Can I grow Jelena Witch Hazel in a container?

Not recommended for long-term container growing due to its eventual size and preference for cool, moist roots. Witch hazels develop extensive root systems and perform poorly when confined. Plant Jelena in the ground where it has room to mature properly.

Why are my Jelena's leaves turning yellow in summer?

Yellowing leaves, especially with green veins remaining visible, indicates chlorosis from alkaline soil. Witch hazels require acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Test your soil and amend with sulfur or aluminum sulfate if needed. Apply an acidifying fertilizer formulated for azaleas to help correct the problem.

Does Jelena Witch Hazel need cross-pollination or a second plant?

No, Jelena is purely ornamental and does not require pollination for the floral display. Witch hazels do produce small seed capsules after flowering, but these are insignificant. You only need one plant to enjoy the spectacular winter blooms.

Jelena Witch Hazel