‘Orange Encore’ is a spreading, 9’-10’ tall shrub that grows in sun to partial shade and is noted for its early blooms, starting in February, as soon as temperatures rise above around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Each curly, crimped deep golden yellow flower has four strap-like petals emerging from a dark brownish calyx. When temperatures drop below freezing, the petals will curl up and then open again when warmer temperatures return. Large oval to round leaves are initially a pale green with maroon tints, then a dark green also with maroon tints before changing to deep purple-maroon and then crimson in autumn.

Intermediate witch hazels were created by the hybridization of Hamamelis japonica (native to Japan) and Hamamelis mollis (native to western China).