The witch hazel does not bear its German name without reason: the bushy shrub opens its numerous, unusually thread-like and bright yellow, orange or red flowers in the middle of winter. Many varieties show their colorful splendor as early as January, when all other garden plants are still in deep hibernation. So it's no wonder that the popular ornamental tree is often called the "queen of winter bloomers".

Snow and cold cannot harm the witch hazel

Table of Contents

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  1. origin and distribution
  2. use
  3. appearance and growth
  4. leaves
  5. flowering and flowering time
  6. fruit
  7. Is witch hazel poisonous?
  8. Which location is suitable?
  9. floor
  10. pot culture
  11. Plant witch hazel properly
  12. What is the best planting time?
  13. The right planting distance
  14. Pouring witch hazel
  15. Fertilize witch hazel properly
  16. Cut witch hazel properly
  17. propagate witch hazel
  18. How do I plant correctly?
  19. diseases and pests
  20. Witch hazel not blooming, what to do?
  21. species and varieties

    22. origin and distribution

    Strictly speaking, the witch hazel is a generic name that includes a total of six different species. Two species, Chinese and Japanese witch hazel, are native to East Asia, and three others are native to the United States:

    • Virginian witch hazel or autumn flowering witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
    • Spring witch hazel (Hamamelis vernalis)
    • Hamamelis ovalis (discovered and first described in 2006)

    Strictly speaking, the sixth variant is not a species of its own, but a crossbreed from the two first-mentioned Hamamelis species. The numerous varieties of Hamamelis x intermedia are widespread as ornamental trees in many gardens.

    use

    Three of the witch hazel species mentioned and the hybrid forms are popular ornamental plants in temperate climate zones. The shrubs grow quite slowly, are ideal solitaires and do not need to be cut back.

    The Virginian witch hazel is also used as a medicinal plant under the name Hamamelis. Its ingredients have a positive, anti-itching, anti-inflammatory and haemostatic effect, which is why it is often used in creams and ointments against skin inflammation and injuries.

    appearance and growth

    The witch hazel is so named because it seems enchanted during its winter flowering period. While their surroundings sink into a drab gray and white, their unusual thread-like flowers shine from afar. Without its flowers, however, the shrub, which grows up to four meters high, looks very similar to a hazelnut (Corylus avellana), which is why the English colloquially refer to it as "Witch Hazel". However, apart from their similar appearance, both genera have nothing else in common. While the witch hazel belongs to the witch hazel plant family (Hamamelidaceae), the hazelnut is a member of the birch family (Betulaceae) and is related to the white-stemmed birch.

    Hamamelis grows very slowly, depending on the type and variety, only between 15 and 30 centimeters of growth are added each year. In old age, the shrub can grow to a height of up to four meters and is often almost as wide. Incidentally, the slow growth is also the reason why the witch hazel is so expensive: a bush 60 to 80 centimeters high costs between 30 and 40 euros, depending on the variety. In addition, most hybrid varieties are grafted onto young plants of the wild form Hamamelis virginiana because they can only be propagated vegetatively as a single variety.

    leaves

    The leaves of the witch hazel are also reminiscent of the leaves of the hazelnut. However, the alternately arranged witch hazel foliage is smaller and somewhat thicker. The bright autumn colors are particularly pretty, ranging from yellow to orange-red depending on the variety and the amount of sunlight.

    flowering and flowering time

    The flowers, located on short side shoots, consist of several elongated, thread-like and narrow petals that curl up under the influence of frost. In this way, witch hazel flowers defy cold temperatures of up to minus ten degrees Celsius. This is also necessary, because with the exception of the Virginian witch hazel, which blooms in autumn, all other species and varieties show their colorful splendor between January and March / April. Strong colors such as yellow, orange and red are dominant, with some varieties - such as Hamamelis intermedia 'Pallida' - also exuding a delicate floral scent.

    Due to their early flowering period, witch hazel bushes are valuable food plants for insects such as bees and bumblebees.

    fruit

    Witch hazel develops woody capsule fruits that look a lot like hazelnuts and mature by late fall. Each fruit contains only two flat, black seeds, which are ejected several meters as the fruit ripens. If you want to harvest seeds, remove the pods just before they are ripe - otherwise you won't find the tiny seeds again, but instead you will find a new witch hazel bush that has secretly grown in a hidden garden alcove at some point. Hybrid varieties are usually sterile and wither without setting fruit.

    Is witch hazel poisonous?

    Witch hazel species are considered non-toxic, and the Virginian witch hazel in particular is even used in medicine. However, bark and other plant parts are primarily used externally and not internally or even in the kitchen. In principle, however, the fruits are edible.
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    Which location is suitable?

    Plant the witch hazel as a solitaire in a location that is as sunny as possible. The shrubs need a lot of light and often stop flowering and growing in places that are only partially shaded. Furthermore, the location should be sheltered from the wind to protect the flowers from extreme frost during periods of severe cold. A spot in front of a house wall or a hedge is ideal.
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    floor

    Hamamelis makes great demands on the soil: the soil should be rich in nutrients and humus, deep and well drained, but at the same time fresh to rather moist. Witch hazel tolerates neither drought nor waterlogging, which is why very sandy soils are just as unsuitable as heavy loamy or even clayey subsoil. Mulch the root area after planting to keep moisture in the soil longer and protect it from drying out.

    pot culture

    Witch hazel can be cultivated very well in tubs and other planters, as long as they are not too small. The size of the pot depends on the size of the plant, although small young plants should be repotted every one to two years. However, it is important for pot culture that the plants in these are not sufficiently hardy: the small amount of soil does not protect the roots from freezing. Therefore, pot specimens should either be in a bright and cool place when there is frost, or you should carefully pack the planter in insulating materials.

    Also, keep witch hazel evenly moist and fertilize regularly during the growing season between April and September - the shrub has both high water and nutrient requirements.

    Plant witch hazel properly

    Dig up the planting site thoroughly, loosen the soil and collect stones and weeds. Before planting, dip the root ball in a bucket of water so that the plant can soak up the moisture. Then place the shrub in the planting hole, whereby the surface of the pot ball must still be visible - the witch hazel will inevitably take offense if you plant too deep. Then mulch the root area and do not work on it with garden tools or underplant it with ground cover or other plants. Hamamelis are very sensitive to root pressure, and they also need at least three years to grow into the new location.
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    What is the best planting time?

    Witch hazel is best planted in early fall when the soil is still warm and the weather is mild. This applies above all to tree nursery goods. Container goods, on the other hand, can basically be planted all year round, as long as the climate is not too extreme: witch hazel should not be planted in the garden in the dry, hot summer months or in icy temperatures in winter.
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    The right planting distance

    Although witch hazels grow slowly, over the years they can reach an impressive height and almost as wide. Some old witch hazel bushes, which also have very sensitive roots and react poorly to root competition, need up to three or even four meters. For this reason, the shrubs are not suitable for beds and borders, but should always be planted as solitaires with plenty of space around them.

    Pouring witch hazel

    Planted witch hazels basically do not need any additional watering. However, you can make an exception during longer periods of drought, during which time moderate watering is advisable.

    Fertilize witch hazel properly

    Provide your witch hazel once or twice a year - if possible in March / April and if necessary in early summer - with organic fertilizers such as compost (add a handful of horn shavings for the nitrogen supply) or self-made plant manure. The latter, especially when it comes to nettle and comfrey manure, not only contain all the important nutrients, but also strengthen the plant's own immune system. However, always add some rock flour ($15.00) for mineral supply.

    Cut witch hazel properly

    The witch hazel is very sensitive to cuts, which is why you should avoid pruning. Only remove old and dried-up branches and thin out the naturally loosely growing shrub only a little after flowering and if necessary. In addition, only cut young shoots and leave old wood alone: otherwise unsightly gaps will appear here, which are difficult to close due to the slow growth.
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    propagate witch hazel

    Propagating witch hazel yourself is a difficult task. The easiest way to do this is with sinkers, which are only separated from the mother plant after rooting has taken place. Cuttings, on the other hand, need a lot of time for rooting, need high humidity, lots of warmth - and still often remain very small.

    Propagation via seeds requires a lot of patience, since the cold germ must be stratified for two winters. To do this, collect the seeds, transplant them into a moist growing medium and keep them in the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator over the winter. The seeds spend spring, summer and autumn in their container in a shady spot in the garden, before being stored in the refrigerator for the second winter. The seeds are only ready to germinate in the second spring and can now be transplanted into seed pots (€16.68). During all these months you have to make sure that the substrate does not dry out or even become moldy.
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    How do I plant correctly?

    If the witch hazel has been in place for more than three years, you should not transplant it if possible. The shrub tolerates this very poorly and, if it doesn't die right away, will not bloom again for at least a few years. Sometimes, however, such a measure is unavoidable, but must then be well prepared:

    • Dig a ditch around the witch hazel in the fall.
    • This should be twice as wide in diameter as the witch hazel is high.
    • Dig about 60 centimeters deep.
    • Fill in the trench with mature compost.
    • Water the witch hazel well.
    • Transplant the shrub to the new location a year later next fall.

    With this preparatory measure, the shrub develops a compact root ball close to the trunk, so that the loss of roots is not so serious later.
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    diseases and pests

    The witch hazel is a very robust and healthy garden plant that is rarely attacked by diseases or pests.

    Witch hazel not blooming, what to do?

    There are many reasons why witch hazel does not flower. Common causes are: lack of light, drought, waterlogging, lack of nutrients and severe frost. In the case of frost, on the other hand, flowering does not always fail, but is merely postponed by a few weeks. In addition, the plants often flower for the first time three to four years after planting.

    tips

    Make sure you have an adequate water supply, especially during the dry and hot summer months, otherwise the flowers will not bloom in the coming winter.

    species and varieties

    Six different species are summarized under the genus name witch hazel. The Hamamelis mollis (Chinese witch hazel) and Hamamelis japonica (Japanese witch hazel) and their hybrid varieties (Hamamelis x intermedia) from East Asia are particularly interesting for the garden. These variants are characterized by flowering that begins very early in the year and lasts for a long time. The Hamamelis virginiana (Virginian witch hazel) from North America, on the other hand, shows its unusual blooms as early as autumn. This is also used as a medicinal plant.

    The most beautiful hybrid varieties

    Crosses between the Chinese (also known as Candlemas witch hazel) and the Japanese witch hazel are available for the home garden. These are characterized by long-lasting flowering and a large variety of varieties. All varieties listed here are hardy.

    • 'Angelly': lemon-yellow flowers, yellow-red autumn colour, height of growth up to approx. 160 centimetres, growth width up to approx. 100 centimetres
    • 'Orange Beauty': bright yellow-orange flowers, yellow-red autumn colour, height of growth up to 350 centimetres, width of growth up to approx. 175 centimetres
    • 'Ruby Glow': dark red flowers, golden yellow autumn colour, height of growth up to 300 centimetres, width of growth up to approx. 200 centimetres
    • 'Fire Magic': brown-violet to garnet-red flowers, yellow-red autumn colour, height of growth up to 300 centimetres, growth width up to approx. 175 centimetres
    • 'Primavera': light yellow flowers, yellow autumn colour, height of growth up to 350 centimetres, width of growth up to approx. 200 centimetres
    • 'Barmstedt's Gold': golden-yellow flowers, yellow to red-orange autumn colour, height of growth up to 350 centimetres, growth width up to approx. 175 centimetres
    • 'Diane': wine-red flowers, bright red to yellow autumn colour, height of growth up to 300 centimetres, width of growth up to approx. 200 centimetres
    • 'Aphrodite': orange-red flowers, dark yellow to orange autumn colour, growth height up to 400 centimetres, growth width up to approx. 250 centimetres
    • 'Arnold Promise': bright yellow flowers, yellow to bright red autumn colour, height of growth up to 300 centimetres, width of growth up to approx. 150 centimetres
    • 'Westerstede': light yellow flowers, yellow to orange autumn colour, growth height up to 300 centimetres, growth width up to 300 centimetres
    • 'Jelena': orange blossom, orange-red autumn colour, height of growth up to 300 centimetres, width of growth up to 150 centimetres
    • 'Pallida': sulphur-yellow flowers, yellow autumn colour, growth height up to 300 centimetres, growth width up to 300 centimetres

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