Witchhazel, Rubyglow

An older selection but one which still earns its place in the garden with its neat vase-shaped form and excellent fall color. It has also proved to be one of the hardiest hybrid Witch Hazels exhibiting little or no damage to the wood even after temperatures as low as -30F. (Z. 5-8) The Rubyglow prefers full sun to partial shade, and grows to 10′ – 15′ height and a similar crown spread with a slow growth rate.

LEAVES are alternate, simple, suborbicular to broad-ovate, 3-5 inches long, acute to rounded at the apex, wavy margins, medium green in color. FRUIT is a 2-valved, dehiscent capsule. In the places where they grow naturally, the soil tends to be a little on the moist side, and contains considerable organic humus. Witch hazels have an attractive branching habit and seldom require any pruning. Once the flowers are in bud the branches can be cut and forced into bloom, much the same as you would force the branches of forsythia or quince.

A winter bloomer as profuse coppery-red FLOWERS cover the branches in late January. The flowers have a unique shape; they appear rather spidery and look just right on the branches of the plant. The blooms can be quite fragrant as well and can add an intense spice fragrance to your entire garden during winter. Of course, that is nature’s way of attracting insects for winter pollination. Flowers are Coppery-red, with a reddish calyx cup, fragrant, 4-petaled, each petal being up to an inch long, very showy and free-flowering in January in Texas.