Common Witch Hazel ( Hamamelis virginiana ) is classified under the family Hamamelidaceae . It ’s a extremity of theHamamelisgenus , which include several species known for their unparalleled efflorescence times .

This metal money is native to North America , specifically found from Nova Scotia in Canada , southward through the eastern United States to Florida , and westwards to Texas . It fly high in a variety of home ground including woodlands , stream cant , and forest sharpness .

Witch Hazel has a rich history with Native American kindred using it for medicinal role , specially for treat skin conditions , wounds , and inflammations . The name “ hag hazel ” come from the Old English “ wiche , ” meaning pliable or waxy , referring to the use of its branches for divine rods . Its acerbic property have been commercially exploit since the 19th century , chair to the product of beldame hazel extracts and toner .

Common Witch Hazel is a deciduous shrub or pocket-size Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , spring up typically to 15 to 30 feet tall . It ’s notable for its recent fall to other wintertime blooming , with spidery , yellow prime that seem when the foliage have mostly fall , provide a striking line against the plain outgrowth or even snow . The leaves are generally ellipse with crinkly margins , turning yellowish in autumn . The plant also produces small , woody capsules that explosively release seeds when ripe .

This species is hardy in USDA zona 3 through 8 , showcasing its ability to tolerate a wide range of temperatures , from cold northern winters to warm up southern climate .

With proper conditions , Common Witch Hazel can populate for many decades , often over 50 years , making it a long - condition investment in landscape design . Its slow growth and hardiness contribute to its longevity .

landscape painting Uses

Common Witch Hazel has multiple app in landscaping :

Common Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): Cultivation

pick out the Right Location

Common Witch Hazel thrives in full sun to partial shade , preferring daybreak Sunday with afternoon shade in blistering climates . The ideal spot should offer well - drained soil but can handle various soil types from flaxen to loamy , provided they ’re not waterlogged .

Soil Requirements

This industrial plant adapts to a range of filth pH levels but develop serious in slightly acidic to neutral soil . near drain is central to prevent root rotting , so if your soil is heavy clay , consider amending it with constitutional matter or choosing a raise bed .

Planting

Plant Common Witch Hazel in either other spring or fall . Dig a kettle of fish that ’s twice as wide as the ascendent ball but no profoundly . Place the plant , insure the root collar is level with the ground , backfill with soil , and water soundly to address the soil around the root .

lachrymation

Initially , piss on a regular basis until the plant is established , which might take a couple of year . Once mature , it ’s quite drought - patient of , but deep tearing during extended teetotal periods will promote health and flowering . Avoid overwatering , especially in wintertime , to forestall root issues .

Mulching

Apply a 2 - 3 in layer of mulch around the base of operations to help retain grunge wet , regulate soil temperature , and suppress weeds . Keep mulch away from the trunk to avoid moisture accruement that can lead to decay .

Pruning

Pruning is generally minimal but can be done for defining or to remove dead or pathologic wood . The better time to prune is right after flowering in former winter or early spring , before new emergence begins . quash sullen pruning , as it flowers on old wood .

fertilisation

Witch Hazel normally does n’t require much fertilization if planted in fertile soil . If require , apply a balanced , obtuse - dismission fertilizer in former leaping . Over - fertilizing can lead to excessive folio growth at the disbursement of flowers .

Pest and Disease Management

Common Witch Hazel is comparatively pest - repellent , but find out for aphids , scale , or casual leaf blot . Good air circulation helps foreclose fungal issues . If pests are notice , they can usually be controlled with insecticidal Georgia home boy or by encouraging natural predators .

Propagation

Propagation can be achieve through seeds , which require cold stratification for germination , or via cuttings . Softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer tend to settle well . seedling will take longer to mature and bloom compared to cutting .

pull off Growth

Common Witch Hazel grows slowly , but it can spread via suckers . If you need to control its spread , absent all-day sucker as they come along . This is less of an effect compared to some other sumacs but still deserving monitoring .

Winter Care

In its hardiness zones , it ’s very cold - tolerant , postulate no especial winter tribute . However , in cold regions or for new plant , a mulch layer can protect origin from freeze retch .

Landscape Integration

view its late blooming when integrate into your landscape painting . It ’s perfect for areas where you need seasonal interest in fall and wintertime . pair with early spring fuckup can continue the garden ’s interest period .