PLANT OF THE MONTH: Hamamelis 'Witch Hazel'

Hamamelis, or as it's more commonly known 'Witch hazel', is a well known shrub or small tree, loved for it's brightly coloured Winter flowers that are heavily fragrant.

But did you know that it also has a rich history of medicinal and magical uses?

In Native American history, it was revered for it's medicinal properties, used by many indigenous tribes for skin irritations inflammation and it's young, flexible branches were used in divination rituals to find underground water sources.

In Europe, it was widely used in folk magic, said to provide protection from evil spirits and hexes, and was even used in love spells and as an ointment to help with astral projection!

Hamamelis is a superb large shrub or small tree for the garden, providing vibrant Winter colour with it's spidery fragrant blooms in fiery shades of red, orange and yellow. It looks great with spring flowering plants like snowdrops, crocus and hardy cyclamen planted beneath it and also has incredible Autumn foliage.

Likes:

Witch hazels grow best in well-drained soil that is neutral to acidic, and they prefer a position in full sun or partial shade.

Dislikes:

They do not like alkaline (chalky) soils or bloom well in heavy shade. They also prefer shelter from cold winter winds, which can harm their flower buds.

Maintenance and Care:

Very little pruning is needed, though any dead or crossing branches can be cut back in early spring after flowering. They are often grafted onto North American rootstock.

Come by our garden centre this month to see them in full bloom!