Hamamelis vernalis Sarg. 'Red Imp' Native of eastern North America, from Missouri to Louisiana and Oklahoma, growing on the banks of streams and on shingle banks, flowering in December-March. A suckering, rather quick-growing shrub up to 2 m high. Red-flowered forms, var. carnea Rehd., are frequent in the wild and 'Red Imp' is an especially dark-flowered selection. 'Sandra', selected by Roy Lancaster from a batch of seedlings at Hillier's nursery, is distinct in its purplish young leaves and fine red to orange autumn colour. Hardy to -25°C. Late winter.