GW witch hazel offer.

Posy

I love witch hazel and they like my garden. so I am very tempted by this offer, but mine are hamamelis and these are described as Loropetalum. Can anyone tell me what the difference is in terms of growing conditions and hardiness?

Silver surfer

Hmm!
This can be the problem of using common names.
They are related.

https://www.bloomingdirect.com/rgwweb185

A.  Hamamelis ..Leaves are green. They are deciduous...grow into large shrubs...flowers in winter on bare twigs.  Happy in sun. Hardy.Usually super colour in autumn.Usually grafted. Expensive to buy good strong shrubs.

https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/89444/Hamamelis-x-intermedia-Arnold-Promise/Details

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch-hazel
...................................................................................


B.  Loropetalum chinense Ever Red.....Leaves are red. Evergreen...smaller...low growing...flowers in April May. Not quite so hardy.I believe they are grown from cuttings. ..therefore cheaper.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=loropetalum+chinense+ever+red&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwib6IjfmujlAhWfSRUIHTl2C5wQ_AUIEigC&biw=1920&bih=967

https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/245955/i-Loropetalum-chinense-i-var-i-rubrum-i-Fire-Dance/Details

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loropetalum

Borderline

Sometimes called Chinese Witch Hazel which can be confusing. Loropetalum Chinense is not totally hardy and need a warm sheltered spot away from harsh cold winds. Although evergreen the leaves can be stripped off or burnt by cold winds in cold winters. 

As mentioned by Silver surfer, flowering is later into late spring to early summer. They need a more free draining soil and don't do that well in heavy clay soil. A much smaller size plant so useful for smaller borders with sun and back protection.

Posy

Oh, damn! Thank you for that most valuable information. In my garden I have heavy clay soil and wicked blasts of wind straight off the English Channel. I think I'll cross that one off my wish-list!