Witch hazel offers visual interest all year
Most people are familiar with witch hazel for its health-related uses as an astringent for sores and bruises or as an ingredient in lotions or preparations. The woody ornamental witch hazel is easy to grow, requires little maintenance and provides four-season interest, making this specimen appealing to gardeners of all abilities.
Common witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is grown as a native large shrub or small tree. Grown best in a sheltered spot in full sun or partial shade, witch hazel prefers a neutral to slightly acidic soil, of average fertility that is moist and well-drained. Witch hazel is hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 8.
Witch hazel has a round or vase-shaped crown and has a 6-foot growth span.
Because of its size, witch hazel is best suited along a woodland border or as a specimen plant.
As a small tree, it is ideal for space-limited gardens.
Although it is not classified as deer-proof, once established, deer tend to leave it alone.
In the summer, witch hazel leaves are a medium green color, transitioning to a bright orange, red or bronze colors in the fall.
However, the real interest occurs in early winter when the witch hazel blooms.
Witch hazel flowers are spidery in appearance, with long, narrow, crinkled petals. The yellow flowers contrast against white snow or a bright blue sky.
If the weather gets too cold, the petals will roll up to protect the flower and extend the flowering season.
Honey bees depend on witch hazel as an early pollen source.
Witch hazel has a number of cultivars whose flowers are in shades of red or orange; other varieties are very fragrant.
Witch hazel (H x japonica) or (H x mollis) are examples of cultivars; in Pennsylvania, H x Intermedia performs well.
Penn State Extension offers additional information on selecting and planting witch hazel at https://extension.psu.edu/witch-hazels-a-promise-that-spring-is-on-the-way.
Whichever variety of witch hazel you choose, be sure to site and plant it where you can enjoy its visual appeal year round.
If you have questions about witch hazel or other woody ornamentals, call the Master Gardener Garden Hotline at 724-287-4761, Ext. 7, or email the Master Gardeners at butlermg@psu.edu.
Master Gardeners and Extension educators from across the state will be answering some of your questions during “Garden Hotline LIVE.”
Submit questions for the live show at https://pennstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6fbKDzHz5bNgknj.
For more information about how to watch Garden Hotline LIVE, visit the statewide Penn State Extension Master Gardener group page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/696217890434068.
Anita Galko is a Penn State Master Gardener of Butler County apprentice.
