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Companion Plants: Witch Hazel, Hellebores & Dogwood

July 28, 2024

Plant partners for witch hazel. Hellebores and Cornus.

I was noticing yesterday that the tips of daffodils and spring bulbs are just beginning to poke through the ground, the branches of the willows have yellowed and the forsythia stems have swollen. Its obvious that the fresh yellows of spring are on their way.  But a lesser known and even earlier spring harbinger is the Hamamelis (Witch Hazel). In addition to reds and oranges, it is available in a range of beautiful yellows.  But what else is beautiful in the garden in the winter and what companion plants can be planted with Witch Hazel to create an exciting winter garden?

What to plant with Witch Hazel?

These plant pairings are perfect for late winter or very early spring and it will bring color to your garden when you most wish for it.  That is when the end of winter just can’t come soon enough.

Option 1 – Hamamelis pallida (yellow Witch Hazel) + Hellebore + Cornus

hamamelis_intermedia pallida
Hamamelis palida – Hamamelis plants, also known as witch hazel, are a genus of flowering shrubs and small trees native to North America and Asia. They are prized for their fragrant yellow to red flowers that bloom in late winter and early spring. Hamamelis plants are popular for their ornamental value and medicinal properties.
Helleborus__Onyx_Odyssey_
Helleborus ‘Onyx Odyssey’ – Hazel hellebore, also known as stinking hellebore, is a perennial plant native to Europe and Asia. It is prized for its early spring blooms and ability to thrive in shady, moist conditions. The plant’s flowers are typically greenish-white and have a foul odor, hence the name “stinking hellebore.”

My favorite witch hazel is Hamamelis intermedia ‘pallida’. It is among the palest and it’s color reminds me of freshly churned butter.  The center of the flower is a deep burgundy and it would be a beautiful compliment to the interestingly uncommon Helleborus ‘Onyx Odyssey’ (available from Grobes Nursery).

On the other end of the yellow spectrum is the almost orange Hamamelis ‘Harry’. I think this would have an excellent companion in Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter fire’ or in Arctic Fire dogwood.  The stems fade from red to yellow and when planted in a clump they make a striking impact.  Combine with a few Hamamelis ‘Harry’ scattered about for something surprising and exciting at this time of year.

Hamamelis harry
Hamamelis ‘Harry’
cornus sanguinea midwinter fire
Arctic Fire dogwood

Option #2 – Hamamelis Diane or Amethyst Witch Hazel + Pink Hellebore + Viburnum Bodnantense ‘Dawn’ + Lorapetalum

Close-up of a branch with several bright orange and red, spidery-shaped flowers. The background is blurred, highlighting the vibrant colors and delicate structure of the flowers – perfect inspiration for those wondering what to plant with witch hazel.
Hamamelis ‘Diane – The Diane witch hazel shrub, also known as Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Diane’, is a stunning deciduous plant prized for its vibrant red flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring. This versatile shrub thrives in a variety of soil types and is perfect for adding color to winter landscapes.

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Diane’  has unusual, copper-red flowers with a light scent and Amethyst Witch Hazel (Hamamelis vernalis) has striking pinky purple bloom that is heavily scented. The leaves of ‘Diane’ turn dramatic shades of yellow in winter and Amethyst leaves turn shades of orange, red and yellow.

Close-up of a pink hellebore flower with soft, overlapping petals. The center of the flower features bright yellow stamens. The background is a soft blur of earthy tones, emphasizing the vibrant colors of the bloom, making it a perfect companion plant for witch hazel.
Pink Hellebore – Hellebores pair well with a variety of companion plants. In addition to what I’ve lists, some other popular options include snowdrops, ferns, and heucheras. These shade-loving plants complement the stunning blooms of hellebores and create a beautiful and harmonious garden display.
Close-up of a shrub with vibrant pink, spiky flowers and green leaves. The flowers are clustered together, contrasting with the surrounding foliage. The background is blurred, highlighting the detail and colors of the flowers and leaves in the foreground. Ideal as witch hazel companion plants.
Pink flowers of Loropetalum chinense Black Pearl. These are summer flowers, but they have a striking similarity to the winter flowers of witch hazel.
Close-up of pink cherry blossoms on brown branches, with a few buds still not fully bloomed. The background is blurry, making the vibrant blossoms the focal point of the image. Supplement this scene with witch hazel as companion plants for a delightful blend that truly evokes a sense of springtime.
Viburnum bodnantense ‘Dawn’
Close-up of dark purple leaves covered in water droplets. The rich colors range from deep maroon to almost black, creating a lush background perfect for companion plants for hellebore. Water droplets glisten on the leaf surfaces, adding a fresh, vibrant appearance.
Purple Daydream Dwarf Loropetalum has dark purple foliage that will (if it is hardy where you live) persist in the winter and provide a great accent tot he hellebores, hazel and viburnum. When planting loropetalum in your garden, consider pairing it with other shade-loving plants like hostas, ferns, and azaleas. These companion plants will complement the loropetalum’s vibrant foliage and add variety to your landscape.

Viburnum bodnantense ‘dawn’ is one of my favorite shrubs – it blooms on bare stems before anything else. It blooms at the same time as witch hazel and also carries a sweet scent. Both of these shrubs never fail to surprise me at this otherwise bleak and frozen time of year.

Create a fragrant midwinter surprise by combining these two large shrubs. Both bloom in shades of pink and would be great color companions to any of the pink or burgundy varieties of Hellebore.

If you are in a place where lorapetalum is winter hardy and provides deep purple foliage color, it would be a beautiful accent to both the hamamelis and viburnum bodnantense flowers.

Where to Buy Hamamelis / Witch Hazel Shrubs Online?

Fairweather gardens has a huge selection of Hamamelis in the full red- orange-yellow color spectrum. You are sure to find just the right shade.

image: the mixed border, from Grobes Nursery, from fairweather gardens and from crocus.

 

Hellebores, Hazel and other interesting garden inspiration:

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plant partners for late winter interest in the garden
Plant partners for witch hazel. Hellebores and Cornus.

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  1. Gwen Erskine says:

    Great plant combination ideas. Perfect to extend the fiery display around my maple tree. I have a couple arctic fire dogwoods but I am smitten witht the midwinter fire after seeing at Tower Hill Botanic Garden. The placement there is very dramatic. Any idea who sells the Midwinter Fire here in the states?

    • Rochelle says:

      Gwen – It looks like Rare Find Nursery has sold it in the past … (perhaps out of season now). Also – I find that If I ask for something, better nurseries will often find it for me.

  2. Gwen Erskine says:

    Thank you, I will look here. I just have to keep looking ’til it’s the right season! I will ask my local nursery too.(Weston Nursery in Hopkinton, MA). Love your posts by the way, your platform provide lots of great inspiration! Got hooked when your house tour was on DesignMom.

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