Witch Hazel: Plant Care and Growing Guide

When to Plant Witch Hazel

• Witch Hazel can be planted in spring or fall, but the ideal time will depend on your climate and growing conditions.
• It is generally best to plant Witch Hazel when the weather is mild and the soil is workable.

Where to Plant Witch Hazel

Witch hazel can be grown in a variety of locations and growing conditions. Here are some tips for where to plant it:

• Sunlight: Witch Hazel prefers partial shade to full sun and will tolerate a range of light conditions. In general, it will flower more profusely in full sun.
• Soil: Witch Hazel prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Acid to neutral soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.5 is ideal. Witch Hazel can grow in a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, as long as the soil is well-draining. It is important to avoid soil that is compacted or waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
• Water: Witch Hazel prefers consistent moisture but does not like to be waterlogged. It is important to water the plant deeply and regularly during the growing season.
• Climate: Witch Hazel is generally cold-hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but the specific hardiness will depend on the species and cultivar. Find the right witch hazel for you with our Plant Finder.
• Placement: Witch Hazel is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can be grown as a specimen plant or in a mixed border. It is also a popular choice for woodland gardens and naturalized areas.

Overall, Witch Hazel is a versatile and adaptable plant that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. With the right care and placement, it can provide beautiful and fragrant blooms in late winter or early spring and vibrant fall foliage.

How to Plant Witch Hazel

Here are some steps to follow when planting Witch Hazel:

• Choose a location: Choose a location with slightly acidic to neutral well-draining soil that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day and is protected from strong winds.
• Dig a hole: Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant and at least as deep as the container it came in.
• Amend the soil: If necessary, amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
• Plant the shrub: Remove the plant from its container and loosen any tangled roots. Place the plant in the center of the hole, making sure it is at the same depth as it was in the container. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the base of the plant.
• Water thoroughly: Water the plant thoroughly, making sure the soil is evenly moist. Continue to water the plant regularly throughout the growing season to encourage healthy growth.
• Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Be sure to leave a small gap around the stem to allow air circulation.

Overall, Witch Hazel is a relatively easy plant to grow and can be a beautiful addition to any landscape or garden.

How to Care for Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it still requires some basic care to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for your hamamelis:

• Watering: Witch Hazel prefers consistent moisture but does not like to be waterlogged. Water the plant deeply and regularly during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant.
• Fertilizing: Witch Hazel does not require heavy fertilization but can benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the early spring. Avoid fertilizing in the fall, as this can encourage new growth that is vulnerable to winter damage.
• Pruning: Witch Hazel does not require heavy pruning but can benefit from occasional shaping and thinning to maintain its size and shape. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Be sure to leave a small gap around the stem to allow air circulation.

How to Propagate

Witch Hazel can be propagated by several methods, including seed, layering, and hardwood cuttings. Here are the basic steps for each method:

• Seed propagation: Collect seeds from ripe Witch Hazel fruit in the fall and plant them in a well-draining soil mix in containers. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the container in a cool, shaded area. Germination can take several weeks to several months. This works well for species, but not cultivars as they do not come true from seed.
• Layering: In late winter or early spring, select a healthy branch that is low to the ground and partially bury it in soil. Leave the tip of the branch exposed and secure it in place with a U-shaped stake. Keep the soil moist and wait for the branch to form roots. Once roots have formed, cut the branch from the parent plant and transplant it to its permanent location.
• Hardwood cuttings: In mid-spring, take 8-12 inch (20-30 cm) cuttings from a healthy branch and remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix in a container. Keep the soil moist and the container in a cool, shaded area until roots have formed. Once roots have formed, transplant the cutting to its permanent location.

Overall, Witch Hazel can be propagated relatively easily by seed, layering, or hardwood cuttings. It is important to provide consistent moisture and the right growing conditions to encourage healthy growth and development.

Pests and Diseases

Witch Hazel is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant, but it can be susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect your hamamelis:

Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that can cause a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves and branches of the plant. To prevent powdery mildew, it is important to plant it in a location with good air circulation and plenty of sunlight and to avoid over-watering the plant, as excess moisture can promote fungal growth.

Root rot: The plant is susceptible to root rot if it is planted in soil that is poorly drained or waterlogged. Root rot is a fungal disease that can cause the roots to become mushy and discolored, and can ultimately lead to the death of the plant.

Companion Plants for Witch Hazel

Companion planting is a great way to create a garden ecosystem that supports healthy plant growth and diversity. Here are some companion plants that can be planted alongside your Hamamelis:

Winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis): This early-blooming plant has yellow flowers that complement the Witch Hazel’s late winter blooms.

Hellebores (Helleborus): These evergreen perennials have beautiful, long-lasting blooms that can provide color and interest in the garden.

Snowdrops (Galanthus): These small, early-blooming bulbs have delicate white flowers that can complement the Witch Hazel’s late winter blooms.

Crocuses (Crocus): Planting crocus bulbs around the base of the shrub can create a beautiful and contrasting display of color and texture, with the Witch Hazel’s spidery blooms providing a unique backdrop for the crocus’s delicate flowers.

Hardy cyclamen: They are prized for their beautiful, delicate blooms and attractive foliage.

Hostas (Hosta): These shade-loving perennials have attractive foliage that can provide a backdrop for the Witch Hazel’s blooms.

Heath and Heather: They are hardy, low-growing evergreens prized for their colorful blooms and tolerance of harsh growing conditions.

Ferns (Polystichum, Dryopteris): These shade-loving perennials have attractive foliage that can provide a contrasting texture to the Witch Hazel’s blooms.

Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum): This small tree has delicate foliage that can complement the Witch Hazel’s blooms and provide interest in the fall.

Overall, Witch Hazel can be planted alongside a variety of companion plants to create a beautiful and diverse garden ecosystem. It is important to consider the growing conditions and compatibility of the plants when selecting companion plants to ensure that they will thrive together.

Click here to compare all Witch Hazel varieties

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does witch hazel grow best?

Witch Hazel grows best in areas with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including loam, sand, and clay, but prefers a slightly acidic soil pH between 4.5 and 6.5.

Are witch hazel trees fast growing?

Witch Hazel, or Hamamelis, is a slow-growing shrub or small tree that can take several years to reach its full size.

Does witch hazel make a good hedge?

Witch Hazel can make a good hedge in certain situations, but it may not be the best choice for a traditional formal hedge due to its slow growth rate and irregular shape. Witch Hazel can be grown as a hedge in more informal settings, such as a naturalistic or woodland garden, where its unique form and spidery blooms can be appreciated.

What can I plant next to witch hazel?

Many plants can be planted next to Witch Haze to create a beautiful and complementary garden display. Here are a few options: Snowdrops (Galanthus), Heuchera, Ferns (Polystichum, Dryopteris), Hostas (Hosta) or Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum)