Witchhazels are a highly underused, native shrub. One of their best attributes is their bloom time. Some bloom in late fall and others bloom in late winter and very early spring. You will know that it is bloom time by their fragrance. Sometimes, when I’m out walking, I smell one and am not satisfied until I’ve found it. All Hamamelis have four ribbon-like petals that open on warm days and close tightly when enveloped by cold.

Hamamelis virginiana blooming in fall 2008 when we had an early snowfall

Hamamelis virginiana ‘Little Suzie’

Hamamelis virginiana (Common Witchhazel) is a huge shrub that will grow 15-20’ high and 8-12’ wide. Best used for screening, its yellow flowers bloom in late fall, often before the foliage has fallen and therefore a bit difficult to see but not to smell. There is one smaller cultivar called ‘Little Suzie’ that will supposedly only grow 4-5’. I hope so since that’s the only one for which I have space.

Hamamelis ‘Arnold Promise’

Hamamelis ‘Aphrodite’ (Photo credit – esveld.nl)

Hamamelis ‘Jelena’ 

Hamamelis ‘Diane’  (Photo credit – holmeshollow.com)

(Photo credit – holmeshollow.com)

(Photo credit – holmeshollow.com)

Hamamelis ‘Birgit’

The witchhazels most commonly found in the landscape are H.intermedia cultivars and their flowers bloom before the foliage emerges. The color range covers the spectrum from red to orange to yellow and many shades in between. ‘Arnold Promise’ was one of the first and has large, clear yellow, fragrant flowers. ‘Aphrodite’ has burnt orange, fragrant flowers; ‘Jelena’ has copper flowers and is sweetly scented; ‘Diane has copper-red flowers and a light fragrance; ‘Birgit’ has red flowers with a hint of pink and is lightly scented.

These are medium to large deciduous shrubs that typically grow 10’ tall and wide eventually. Grow them in well-drained soils that are moist and acidic. I had read that they could be grown in dry soils but don’t believe it; they’ll die there. Although they will grow in partial shade, they will flower more heavily in full sun. If the plant starts to sucker, remove the suckers unless you want the additional spread. Prune in spring after flowering to control shape and size.

All of the witchhazels have yellow, orange or red fall color. The degree of color is usually dependent upon moisture and light levels. Where can you put one?

Hamamelis fall foliage

Hamamelis fall foliage