At first glance, witch hazels hardly seem candidates for tests or trials, since, as a group, they are hardy, maintenance-free, and ignored by most pests. This attractive bush thrives in USDA planting zones 3 through 9. Witch hazel shrubs like moist soil but are adaptable. Even though they are.
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Witch Hazel: Care and Growing Guide.Witch Hazel: Planting Witch Hazel in Your Garden | The Old Farmer's Almanac
You're likely most familiar with witch hazel for its use in cosmetics or medicinal formulas, but this deciduous shrub is an attractive option for winter landscaping. It produces bright, fragrant, spidery flowers in the fall and winter. Witch hazel is a very hardy plant. Unlike most flowering plants, witch hazel requires cold temperatures to produce its eye-catching yellow blooms. This makes these plants a real show-stopper in a sparkling winter landscape. Witch hazel plants have exceptional fragrance, though the flowers are not as showy as some other plants.
Bright green leaves adorn these shrubs in the summer and turn yellow or yellow-orange in the fall. Native to North America, this plant was used by some Native Americans for medicinal purposes. Witch hazel is a very low-maintenance plant once established. Nothing more than the occasional watering and pruning is required.
Plant this shrub in early spring or late fall for the best results. A sunny location is ideal, though in very hot areas some afternoon shade will be beneficial. These shrubs are resistant to most pests and diseases. Deer, aphids , leaf spots, or powdery mildew may attack witch hazel shrubs, but they do not normally cause extensive damage.
Full to partial sun is ideal for witch hazel plants. Though they usually prefer full sun, partial shade is best in hot climates with intense afternoon sunshine. Witch hazel likes rich, loamy , moist soil conditions, but it is quite hardy and can adapt to differing conditions. These plants can acclimate to both acidic and alkaline soil pH levels, although acidic to neutral soil is best.
Good drainage and moist conditions are essential for healthy witch hazel plants. Try adding a layer of mulch on top of the soil to retain moisture. Consistent moisture is preferred by this shrub, but it does not do well in soggy soil. Regular watering is essential for young, establishing plants.
Once established, natural rainfall should provide enough water for witch hazel shrubs. However, be sure to water these plants any time there is a drought.
If the top of the soil feels dry to the touch, it may be time for additional water. Witch hazel is unique in that it flowers during the cold winter months. It is tolerant of a wide range of conditions from USDA zones 3 to 9, thriving in both cold and hot temperatures.
Moderate humidity levels are preferred. Witch hazel does not do well in dry, arid conditions, but too much moisture can encourage fungal problems, such as powdery mildew.
Adding compost to the soil not only balances the moisture retention and draining ability but also adds loads of nutrients to the soil, resulting in rich, loamy soil that is ideal for witch hazel.
Throughout the summer months, well-balanced, liquid fertilizer can be added monthly for extra nutrients. Pruning is not required, but the occasional trim-up can help maintain a clean shape and encourage blooming. Remove any suckering offshoots at the base to keep this plant clean and tidy. Witch hazel branches can also be trimmed off right before blooming and brought indoors to bloom.
Witch hazel is often propagated from seed, but this process requires a lot of patience. Witch hazel seeds can take up to two years before they germinate. To get seeds started, they must experience the heat and cold of both winter and summer. You can plant these outdoors or mimic these conditions indoors. Propagating witch hazel through cuttings is another option for starting these plants, but it is quite difficult and usually yields little success for the casual gardener.
Witch hazel can be grown in a pot, though it will eventually need to be planted in the ground if you want the plant to reach its full height. Container-kept witch hazel shrubs are perfect for smaller garden spaces and can be moved during the summer to make room for summer-blooming plants. Once the witch hazel outgrows its pot, move it to a larger pot size or plant it in the ground.
When doing this, try not to disturb the roots as witch hazel does not handle transplanting well. It is best to do this in the spring. With its unique winter flowers, witch hazel thrives in the cold winter months. To care for witch hazel throughout the winter, occasionally check the plant for any damage caused by rabbits or deer. If damage occurs, a protective barrier can be placed around the plant, such as chicken wire or hardware cloth.
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Witch hazel shrub zone 4 free. 'Arnold Promise' Witch Hazel Plant Profile
As mentioned previously, witch hazels make beautiful, relatively problem-free additions to South Carolina landscapes. A more heat tolerant variety, Hamamelis x intermedia 'Diane', can be grown in Zones Perhaps one drawback of this cultivar is that it is reportedly subject to leaf anthracnose, but proper siting and good cultural practices should keep the disease occurrence to a minimum. Home Blog Which Witchhazel. There are two species of witchhazel native to North America. Plant it in your yard and you'll honor history: none other than Witch hazel shrub zone 4 free himself named it in
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Witch hazel plant care: how to grow this flowering shrub | Gardeningetc - WITCH HAZEL CARE
More Information ». Witch hazels Fred spp. Three species have their origins in North America H. With regard to availability of these plants to gardeners, there are four species that are generally grown by the nursery trade, and an ever-increasing number of cultivars.
These are the Chinese witch hazel, the interspecific hybrid Hamamelis x intermediaand the two North American natives — the common or American witch hazel and the vernal witch hazel. This is a very unique feature of native North American trees. One can find H. In South Carolina, its native range extends over three quarters of the counties throughout the state zhrub all four physiographic regions Mountains, Piedmont, Sandhills and Coastal Plain.
Vernal witch hazel, or Ozark witch hazel, is more Midwest in its range, which extends from Missouri and Arkansas southwest into Oklahoma and Texas. However, most gardeners have turned their attention to the use of Chinese species H.
These plants make beautiful, relatively care-free additions to South Carolina landscapes, and deserve more attention. In addition to its ornamental attributes, witch hazel has several medicinal properties including use as an astringent and an anti-inflammatory.
In fact, it is one of the very few American medicinal plants approved as an ingredient in non-prescription drugs by the U. Food and Drug Administration. Witch hazels are generally considered large shrubs, or in some instances small trees. The ultimate or mature size is largely dependent upon the species or cultivar selected, and the growing environment in which it is sited.
Common witch hazel H. Vernal witch hazel H. Hybrid witch hazels H. Plants are typically upright-spreading and rather loosely branched. The somewhat zigzagging branches offer interesting form, and its upright nature lends itself to an opportunity for under-planting with bulbs or small perennials.
Witch hazels are generally considered to be slow growing. However, the hybrid witch hazel does feee greater vigor than that fere either parent species. One could reasonably expect annual growth of inches under suitable environmental conditions. As mentioned previously, witch hazels make beautiful, relatively problem-free zome to South Carolina landscapes. They also offer the gardener an interesting and unique plant that truly adds to a four-season landscape.
Flowers of common witch hazel H. The common witch hazel H. The flowers form from groups of three or four stalked buds which open from October to December.
It is a valuable shrub for the naturalized border, under the tall canopy shtub mature shade trees, although witch hazel shrub zone 4 free will tolerate full sun in moist soils. There have been some garden-worthy selections made, but they may be more difficult to find in the trade as opposed to the Asian species and hybrids.
It is cold hardy to Zone 3. Common witch hazel is the preferred rootstock for grafted cultivars of Asian origin. The vernal witch hazel H.
In South Carolina, it would be reasonable to expect flowering in January. New growth is bronze to reddish purple, and changes to medium-dark green in summer. The fall color is witch hazel shrub zone 4 free variable, but is described in literature as being an outstanding clear yellow that develops late. The flowers consist of four yellow strap-like petals with a darker orange witch hazel shrub zone 4 free red calyx at the base.
While vernal witch hazel offers more variety for the garden than the common witch hazel, it is also more difficult to find in the trade than the Asian species and hybrids.
It is recommended for light shade, but will tolerate full sun if sited in moist, rich soil. It will tolerate soils of higher pH than the other species and is hardy to Zone 4. The Chinese witch hazel H. This species can be used in a shrub border or as a specimen in the woodland garden. It would surub a nice substitute for the ubiquitous forsythia. It is noted for its consistently spectacular flowers of rich golden yellow with wider, more prominent petals than the species.
The sweet fragrance in February is very desirable. The growth habit is wide-spreading with an ultimate height of 8 to 10 feet. Witcb height is witch hazel shrub zone 4 free to be 9 to 10 feet with shrb or larger spread.
This species is hardy to Zone 5. The hybrid witch hazels, Hamamelis x intermediaare interspecific crosses between H. They display hybrid vigor, and may reach a mature height of 15 feet. They can be expected to flower from January through March, and offer the gardener color and fragrance in the dreariest of seasons.
The flower colors range from yellows and oranges to red. It should be noted that in general, the red-flowered cultivars typically exhibit more red fall coloration, and the yellow-flowered cultivars exhibit yellowish frfe coloration.
There are many reported cultivars of this hybrid, and a handful of them have become somewhat common in the nursery trade and therefore available to gardeners. It is known for its clear yellow flowers and red calyces. The petals are long at almost an inch, and it provides good fragrance in the late winter garden. The flowering witch hazel shrub zone 4 free tends to be late winter, usually in the mid-February through March range.
Perhaps one drawback of this cultivar is that it is reportedly subject to leaf anthracnose, but proper siting and good cultural practices should keep the disease occurrence to a minimum.
This cultivar has outstanding flowers that are yellow at the tips, orange in the middle and dark red to maroon at the base. The petals appear crimped and twisted. The scent is very pleasant, but not over-powering. These cultivars make a fantastic display when grouped together for larger effect.
This is a reliable choice for Zone 7 gardens, but should also be given consideration by gardeners throughout the state. They are most adaptable in Zones 5 through 8. Witch hazel seed capsules take up to a year to fully ripen. Witch hazels, regardless of species or cultivar, thrive in moist, rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soils.
These shrubs can tolerate shade, but flower displays improve with increasing sunlight. Most prefer light shade to full sun. They are moderately resistant to drought once established.
Due to their spreading growth habit, they may need to be occasionally pruned to maintain an upright form, witch hazel shrub zone 4 free to allow for clearance beneath the canopy. It should also be noted that cultivars of hybrid witch hazel H. Galls created by shhrub hazel cone gall aphid. Propagation of witch hazels is usually accomplished by seed for the species, while named cultivars are typically rooted from stem cuttings or grafted. Propagation by cuttings is possible using firm wood in late summer.
The cuttings should be treated with 1. Keep witch hazel shrub zone 4 free disturbance to a minimum. The witch hazel shrub zone 4 free are found in two-valved dehiscent capsules that ripen in mid to late fall. Seed should be collected in late summer or early fall before the capsules turn brown, ripen and eject the seed.
The seed can actually eject from the capsule up to 30 feet, so it is advised to place the collected seed in a closed container. Refrigerated seed that is kept dry can be stored up to one witch hazel shrub zone 4 free. Because seeds have physiological dormancy, they must be given alternating warm and cold treatments. This can be done naturally by harvesting seed in late summer and planting in an outdoor seedbed. Germination sprouting occurs the second spring if not given a pre-treatment of 3 months cold followed by 3 months of warm stratification.
Witch hazels are relatively problem-free additions to the landscape. There are a couple of insects associated with the witch hazel, but none are serious.
There is a cone gall aphid Hormaphis hamamelidis that can cause unsightly galls witch hazel shrub zone 4 free the leaves, but are usually not a significant problem. There witch hazel shrub zone 4 free also a spiny leaf gall aphid Hamamelistes spinosusthat can cause some unsightly spiny galls on the foliage.
The most prevalent disease associated with vernal witch hazel is powdery mildew, but is not a significant problem in most instances. George M. This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement of brand names or registered trademarks by the Zoje University Zne Extension Service is implied, nor is any discrimination intended by the exclusion of products or manufacturers not named.
All recommendations are for South Carolina conditions and may not apply to other areas. Use pesticides only according to the directions on the label. All recommendations for pesticide use are for South Carolina only and were legal at the time of publication, but the status of registration and use patterns are subject to change by action of state and federal regulatory agencies.
Follow all directions, precautions and restrictions that are listed. Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates from HGIC. Haael Information » Close message witch hazel shrub zone 4 free. Author s George M. DickertDistrict Extension Director, Shfub, Clemson University This information is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement of brand names or registered trademarks by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service is implied, nor is any discrimination intended by the exclusion of products or manufacturers not named.
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Perennial gardens have the potential to be ornamental year-round. Many gardeners design their landscapes with winter interest specifically in mind, choosing plants with showy bark, brightly colored stems, evergreen foliage and persistent berries. Even an uncut clump of ornamental grass can be an interesting feature in the winter landscape, especially when the wind plays through the stems.
Fre, the winter garden does not need to be devoid of flowers. Many witchhazels are at their very witch hazel shrub zone 4 free this time of year. Most witchhazels bloom in the winter months, from February to March, 44 produce fragrant and spidery flowers with crinkled, strap-like petals.
Depending on species and hsrub, the flower color ranges the full spectrum between pale yellow and red. Witchhazels may be best known for their use in first aid and skin care products, but these shrubs have a lot to offer in the garden. Most species boast vibrant sitch foliage as well as late winter blooms.
There are two species of Asian witchhazel that bloom in the winter months. Chinese witchhazel Hamamelis mollis is the more ornamental of the two, with abundant yellow flowers that are extremely shrrub. Japanese witchhazel Hamamelis japonica is far less common in the landscape but is one of the parent plants of the popular hybrid Hamamelis x intermedia witch hazel shrub zone 4 free a cross between Chinese and Japanese witchhazel.
These plants are hardy to Shdub 5, although extreme cold can damage buds. There are two species of witchhazel native to North Witch hazel shrub zone 4 free. Vernal witchhazel Hamamelis vernalis grows wild in the southern and central United States along moist stream banks.
Although not quite as showy as H. There are a variety of cultivars available with flower colors varying from yellow to red. Our Witch hazel shrub zone 4 free Hampshire native, common witchhazel Hamamelis virginianais no less deserving of a place in the garden, although it blooms in late fall. In srhub wild, witchhazels are woodland species that are often found growing in forest edges and meadows.
As a withc, they will perform well in the garden whether they are planted in full sun or partial shade, although they tend to flower best when planted in full sun. Growth habit is quite variable between species and cultivars, ranging frre upright vase-shaped to broad-spreading. In the garden, witchhazels can be planted singly as specimens or in groups as a screen or hedge. Witchhazels are very low maintenance with few pest and disease issues. When planted in average, well-drained soils, they are the type of shrub gardeners can ignore and yet still be rewarded with showy fall foliage and late winter blooms.
Home Blog Which Witchhazel. Which Witchhazel. Thursday, February 08,