Plant of the week

Hamamelis × intermedia 'Orange Peel'

The green leaves of this deciduous shrub put on a great show in autumn, turning shades of yellow, orange and red before they fall. Then, from mid-winter, the magic begins. Larger than average light orange flowers, looking just like bunches of orange zest, which have a delicious scent appear in small clusters along the bare stems. A wonderful plant, with an upright to vase-shaped habit, it will add colour and perfume to the garden at a time when very little else is looking its best. Try under-planting it with winter and early spring flowering bulbs to create a cheerful seasonal display.