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HAMAMELIS A late flowering shrub that sporadically blooms in early November, welcomes winter in December, and limitedly flowers in January is Hamamelis virginiana, the Common Witchhazel.
This native Carolinean
species with its fragrant flowers is the first of the winter flowering shrubs.
During late February and throughout all of March, it produces a profusion of
small yellow flowers that are about 3/4 of an inch wide with 4 tentacle-like
petals in each flower. These interesting flowers appear before the leaves
emerge and help to create a sense of seasonal anticipation. . Leaves are a
beautiful tawny yellow color in the fall. As a general observation, Hamamelis
virginiana does not produce as many flowers as many of the improved cultivars
that are commercially available on the market. Hamamelis are all
relatively tall shrubs that grow in moderate shade but will also successfully grow in fully exposed locations. They prefer
moist, leafy, organic soils. However, they will also do reasonably well in
poorer growing conditions. They are excellent for naturalistic settings or
mass plantings . These harbingers of spring grow
8 to 15 feet in height and have a similar spread. Hamamelis vernalis (Vernal
Witchhazel) A native North American
shrub that is hardy from Zones 4 to 8. It is second hardiest next to Hamamelis
virginiana. It has yellow to reddish, fragrant, ribbon-like flowers that bloom
from late January through to March. Interestingly, Michael A. Dirr indicates
that this species has the ability to roll up its petals on very cold winter
days and unfurl its flowers on warm days. Ornamentally, this plant
can be used for screening purposes when mass planted or used as a large
unpruned hedge..This plant grows 6 to 10 feet in height and has a similar
spread. Fall color is a golden yellow for a 2 to 3 week period. Hamamelis mollis (Chinese
Witchhazel) Aromatically fragrant 1
and ½ inch diameter flowers. Regretfully, this species is the least hardy in
Niagara. This plant should be tried in a micro- climate to test its hardiness.
It is all part of being a gardener...having an experimental sense of
adventure. Hardy in Zone 5. Hamamelis japonica
(Japanese Witchhazel) Spreading, architecturally
interesting sparsely branched shrub/small tree from 10 to 15 feet. Fall leaf
color range from yellows, to reds, to purple. Hardy to Zone 5. Difficult to
source and is not readily available in Canada. Hamamelis x intermedia Ornamentally, the best
witchhazels represent a hybrid group when Hamamelis japonica and Hamamelis
mollis are crossed. All cultivars retain their characteristic spidery, 4
petaled flowers. Three
cultivars of note that are readily available at leading garden centers
include: 1.
Arnold’s Promise Witchhazel This
cultivar, introduced by the Arnold Arboretum, has golden yellow flowers and
petals to 1 inch in length. Its reddish calyx cup is especially attractive
before the leaves unfurl. This cultivar is by far the best for all round
ornamental effect. Flowers are very fragrant, long lasting, and normally start
to bloom from mid February to March. Fall coloration is a spectacular collage
of rich red and yellow colors.Once leaf drop occurs, another season is about
to unfold. This vase-shaped plant ultimately grows to 15 to 20 feet in height
with a similar spread. 2.Diane
Witchhazel This
plant is hardy to Zone 4.It is an excellent specimen for colorful flowers and
fall coloration that ranges from copper-red to a rich orange-red. Its petals
are about 3/4 of an inch long. This cultivar grows to about 7 feet in height
and has a width of about 6 feet. 3.
Westerstede Witchhazel This
cultivar flowers in late February. It is upright in its habit of growth and
eventually reaches 9 feet in height with a 6 foot spread. Hardy in Zone 5, it
has primrose-yellow flowers. Other
cultivars of the cross include “Jelena” that is one of the best red
witchhazels on the market. Its 1
inch long flowers are yellow at the tip, orange in the middle, and red at the
base. From a distance, this plant glows like copper when it is in flower. Its
fall coloration is equally spectacular with an autumn show of apricot- orange,
to red to yellow. There
are other cultivars available but they are difficult to source and are
generally unavailable in the nursery trade. To quote Allen Patterson,
former Director of the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton, Ontario,
“unselected plants are worth their space, offering good autumn color, fragrant
flowers and the possibility of distilling one’s own witchhazel liniment to
sooth sore muscles from the excess of gardening.” Food for thought indeed!
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