The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Tsukubana-kurenai Japanese witch-hazel

Family: Hamamelidaceae (witch-hazel family)

Synonym: Hamamelis × intermedia 'Tsukubana kurreani', Hamamelis japonica 'Shibamichi Red'

Distribution: Species native to Japan

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5

Life form: Deciduous shrub/Subshrub

Comments: A relatively recent introduction of Japanese witch-hazel named by the well-respected Japanese nurseryman, Akira Shibamichi. Flowers open a bit on the late side (February/March) to reveal intense, cherry red, strap-shaped petals that are highly scented. Grows more slowly and a bit smaller than hybrid witch-hazels but will attain a height and spread of 8'. This represents a great addition to the genus with its unusually showy red blooms.