Hamamelis vernalis ‘Sandra’ (Ozark Witch Hazel)

Prized for its foliage and flowers, Hamamelis vernalis ‘Sandra’ (Ozark Witch Hazel) is a large deciduous shrub of vase-shaped habit. It boasts small, fragrant, deep yellow flowers in late winter and early spring. Borne on naked branches, each flower consists of 4 narrow, slightly curled, crimped, strap-shaped petals with a red tint at their base and a maroon-red calyx. On very cold days, the strap-like petals curl up, and they unfurl as the weather warms. Emerging flushed purple in spring, the foliage of oval leaves, 3.5 in. long (9 cm), matures to dark green as the season progresses, before turning orange and crimson-red in the fall.

• Grows up to 6-10 ft. tall (180-300 cm) and 8-12 ft. wide (240-360 cm).
• A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Prefers organically rich, moist, acidic soils. Best flowering in full sun.
• Mass in mixed shrub borders for dramatic winter blooms. Great flowering shrub for cottage gardens, rain gardens, woodland gardens, or as a screen and hedge. Perfect as a specimen plant.
• Keep an eye out for coral spot and honey fungus.
• Deer: Witch hazel is generally considered to be deer-resistant due to its bitter taste and strong scent. However, it is important to note that deer browsing habits can vary depending on factors such as the time of year, availability of other food sources, and the specific population of deer in the area.
• Promptly remove any suckers to prevent spread.
• No regular pruning is required. Simply remove any dead, damaged, or weak shoots. Prune in spring after flowering if you need to control shape and size.
• Propagate by simple layering of suitable shoots in spring, by grafting in late winter or by chip budding in late summer.
• Hamamelis vernalis is native to the southern and central United States.