Witch hazel, we all have heard of it. Many of us may even have it in our bathrooms. But have you ever considered growing it? It's colorful blooms are bewitching, particularly in winter.
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Witch hazel, or Hamamelis virginiana, often begins to bloom in the cold of winter. Yep, while most plants are shriveling up, witch hazel is ready teddy.
Where Witch Hazel Gets its Name
You have to admit, the witch hazel has a cool name. But where did the name come from? Well, according to Master Gardener William Moss, when they are pollinating, they form a small nut that stays closed until fall.
When it's time to open up, these seeds literally shoot out, so forcefully you can hear it. So, when the early pioneers were walking about outside and heard this, they wondered if these plants were bewitched.
It's certainly no wonder the pioneers thought so... The seeds can shoot a whopping ten to twenty feet.
Witch Hazel Varieties
Using Witch Hazel to Find Water
Need to find a water source for a well? You can make a dowsing rod using witch hazel. It is believed that the English settlers were shown by the Mohegans how to use make dowsing rods out of witch hazel branches. But the technique of dowsing goes much further back in history. In fact, we can trace it back 4,000 years ago to Egypt and the Middle East.
Tips for Growing Witch Hazel
- Plant witch hazel in full sun to partial shade.
- Give them plenty of growing room. (Some grow to 30' tall and 25' wide.)
- Witch hazels do best when planted in well-drained, loamy, acidic soil.
- Mulch your witch hazel with wood chips or pine needles to maintain acidity and keep the soil moist.
- Witch hazel can be grown as a large shrub or small tree, depending upon how you prune it.
How to Plant Witch Hazel
Pruning Witch Hazel
Birds Like Witch Hazel, too!
What to Grow In Winter Series, Post #2: Camellias
What to Grow In Winter Series, Post #3: Crocuses
What to Grow In Winter Series, Post #4: Winter Hardy Roses
What to Grow In Winter Series, Post #5: Snowdrops
What to Grow In Winter Series, Post #6: Primroses
What to Grow In Winter Series, Post #7: Dogwoods
What to Grow In Winter Series, Post #8: Heather
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The virginiana blooms October through November, usually after the foliage falls. Various subspecies of the vernalis will bloom in winter and early spring with a variety of colors, including a strong red from the 'Carnea.' I have grown them both as a small tree and a selective-cane shrub.
BTW, my winter staples are Erica X darleyensis 'Darley Dale," for full sun and Helleborus niger for shade.
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Hi @aedroberts, thanks for the comment. I'm a big fan of Helleborus, from what I've seen about it. I haven't yet grown the Helleborus but I've been reading up on them. I love that they are shade plants bc I have a lot of shaded areas at home. In fact, part of the reason for doing this series was to help me make a plan for my own winter garden :)
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@nataliejohnson, the is also the male Skimmia Japonica Rubella. Plants like Corylus avellana 'Contorta' and Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snow Queen' have intense winter interest. The Hydrangeas, even though they make a good specimen plant, are best massed; allowing sufficient space to reach full potential. I have had Camellias bloom in February but they were well protected from winter winds (as all broad-leaf evergreens should be). BTW, Erica is heath. Heather are spring and summer flowering.
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I just saw your comment, @aedroberts. Sometimes I miss them somehow. You sound like you have so much gardening experience, hopefully, in time I will too - I'm pretty new at gardening :) Corylus avellana 'Contorta' reminds me of the corkscrew willow, and I see what you mean about the Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snow Queen'. The peeling bark is interesting to look at.
TodaysHomeowner
Where I live, in zone 8, we are very fortunate to have mild winters (most of the time). Right now we have the most beautiful camellias blooming all around this area, and I am just in awe of them. We did have a few freezes about a month ago but we are back in the spring-time weather.
Thanks for sharing this 🌞 🌞 🌞
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Thanks for your post
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