January Shrub of the Month-Witch Hazel

January is desolate-bare tree branches, barren perennial beds. Not a flower or fragrance to be found … unless you happen across a witch hazel. 

Hamamelis virginiana, the common witch hazel, and H. vernalis, the Ozark witch hazel are natives who bless us with blooms and intense fragrance starting in November for H. virginiana, and by the end of January/early February for H. vernalis. The non-natives, including hybrids like H. x intermedia, originate in Asia and bloom during the same periods.

Most witch hazels have an upright vase shape and grow in part shade to full sun. These are large shrubs, do not underestimate that cute, little plant in a pot at the nursery. They can reach over 20′ high and just as wide. Check your tags for mature size. They tolerate heavy clay soil as long as it’s acidic and moist with a good dose of organic matter. Pests and diseases are rare.

Flower color ranges from bright yellow to orange and red, all with crepe paper-textured petals. The branches are great for forcing indoors, where the fragrance can be appreciated without putting on your snow boots and coat to brave the winter weather outdoors.

What I love about this plant-The winter interest! The fragrance! Some are native, and some show nice fall color.

What’s not so great-The natives can carry their leaves through winter, which hides the flowers. The cultivar H. x intermedia ‘Arnold’s Promise’ does not hold leaves and makes a stunning, bright yellow show when in bloom. (See top photo above)

Words and photos by Jo Batzer unless stated otherwise.

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