#3 Container of 'Quasimodo' Vernal Witchhazel (photo by Alex Neubauer, Belvidere, TN)

Vernal witchhazel (H. vernalis) is a dense growing 8-12 foot native shrub which blooms in mid-winter in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7). It is winter hardy to zone 4.

Small ½ inch wide yellow to red flowers, flushed red at the base, emit a pleasant witchhazel aroma in February. Often, it is the fragrance which has passerbys taking notice of the small strap-like red flowers blooming in the middle of winter.

New leaves start off with a reddish purple tint in early spring. The 2 – 5 inch long by 2 – 3 inch wide leaves are medium green and remain pest free from spring thru autumn. Fall leaf colors transition from green to yellow to gold. Dead leaves often stick on throughout the winter, concealing large percentage of the flowers. The root system possesses a strong suckering habit. The branch wood displays a pale gray color.

‘Quasimodo’ is a compact 3 – 4 foot high shrub, slightly taller than wide. This diminutive cultivar is excellent choice for a small garden. Quasimodo was hybridized and introduced by Pieter Zwijnenburg in the Netherlands.  Its burnt orange flower color stands out better in the mid-winter landscape. Bloom season lasts 3-4 weeks. Quasimodo drops its leaves in the fall so that all flowers are in plain sight.

Vernal witchhazel grows in full sun to moderate shade and requires little extra care. The soil should be adequately drained and mildly acidic.