There are five different types of witch hazel. Two of these species are from Asia, the other three from northern America. In particular, there are many crosses between Japanese and Chinese witch hazel that are commercially available.

There are also pink flowering varieties

Do all varieties of witch hazel bloom at the same time?

The flowering time of the individual species and varieties of witch hazel varies from October to March. However, most of them bloom in winter. The color spectrum of the flowers ranges from a delicate yellow to golden yellow and orange to a strong shade of red. Some varieties also impress with interesting foliage colors in autumn or a delicate scent of flowers. So there is something for every taste.

The most important thing about caring for the witch hazel

The care of the witch hazel is basically the same for all varieties. They need a relatively lime-poor, well-drained and nutrient-rich soil and prefer a sunny, at most partially shaded location, as well as sufficient moisture. Choose the location carefully, because the witch hazel usually does not tolerate transplanting very well.

Water your witch hazel in the summer when it hasn't rained for a while. If its roots dry up too much, it won't bloom as profusely as you would like. But make sure you avoid waterlogging as a result of your watering. The witch hazel is also very sensitive to this.

Interesting varieties of witch hazel:

  • Hamamelis virginiana (Virginian witch hazel): Medicinal plant, flowers in pale yellow from October
  • Hamamelis mollis (Candlemas or Chinese witch hazel): delicately scented golden yellow flowers, flowering period February to March
  • Hamamelis japonica (Japanese witch hazel): bright yellow flowers from January to February, slightly more sensitive to frost than other varieties, bright red autumn leaves
  • Hamamelis vernalis (spring witch hazel): orange-yellow short-leaved flowers, blooms from January to February
  • "Pallida": intensely fragrant, large, sulphur-yellow flowers, blooms at Christmas time
  • 'Diane': red flowers, blooms in February
  • 'Jelena': orange-red flowers with light tips, interesting scarlet red color in autumn
  • "Primavera": medium-sized, golden-yellow, slightly ruffled flowers, blooming early

tips

Let yourself be guided by your taste when choosing your witch hazel, but also take into account any different requirements of the plants in terms of location and soil.

Category:

Trees