Witch Hazel 1 to 5 of 5 total
Witch Hazel 1 to 5 of 5 total
Witch Hazel
Uses:
- Informal Hedge or Screen
- Woodland Garden
- Specimen or Focal Point
Features:
- Attracts Pollinators & Birds
- Fall Foliage
- Fragrant Flowers
- Tolerates Clay & Shade
Sunlight:
- Full Sun To Part Shade
- At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight
Growing Zones:
- 4-8
- What is My Zone?
Witch Hazel is a deciduous shrub known for its fragrant, spider-like flowers in fall or early winter. The yellow-to-orange flowers attract pollinators and mature over the following year to seed capsules that feed birds. This North American native has an open, spreading habit, and its irregular branches hold textured foliage that turns yellow to orange in the fall. It can be used as a lovely focal point, an understory layer, or an addition to a native planting to attract wildlife.
About Witch Hazel
Genus
Species
Family
Hamamelis
Hamamelis virginiana (American Witch Hazel), Hamamelis japonica (Japanese Witch Hazel), Hamamelis mollis (Chinese Witch Hazel), Hamamelis vernalis (Ozark Witch Hazel)
Hamamelidaceae
Common Names:
Winter Bloom
Native To:
North America, Japan, China
Plant Type:
Bushes
Foliage Type:
Deciduous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
3 - 9
Flower Color:
Yellow, Orange, Red
Flower Bloom Time:
Fall, Winter, Early Spring (depending on species)
Growth Habit:
Upright, Spreading, Mounded
Attracts:
Bees, Butterflies
Tolerates:
Shade, Poor Soil, Cold Winters
Resists:
Deer
How To Use Witch Hazel In The Garden
Witch hazel is a deciduous shrub known for its fragrant, spider-like flowers that appear in fall or early winter. The yellow-to-orange blooms attract pollinators and mature over the following year into seed capsules that feed birds. This North American native has an open, spreading habit, with irregular branches that hold textured foliage turning yellow to orange in the fall.
Use witch hazel as a focal point, an understory layer, or an addition to a native planting to attract wildlife. This shrub is a host plant for butterflies and moths, and provides food and shelter for birds and small mammals. Its graceful, open form can be underplanted with perennials and bulbs or used to create an informal screen.
Types of Witch Hazel
| Type | Scientific Name | Native Range | Habit | USDA Zones | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Witch Hazel | Hamamelis virginiana | Eastern North America (Canada to FL, west to MN & TX) | Large shrub/small tree | 3–8 |
• Native woodland species • Ornamental fall blooms appear with golden fall foliage • Source of medicinal witch hazel extract • Tolerates partial shade |
| Ozark/Vernal Witch Hazel | Hamamelis vernalis | Ozark region (MO, AR, & surrounding states) | Shrubby | 4–8 |
• Earliest-blooming native species • Sweetly fragrant winter flowers • More compact habit • Good for smaller gardens |
| Chinese Witch Hazel | Hamamelis mollis | China | Vase-shaped shrub | 5–8 |
• Most fragrant of all witch hazels • Bright yellow flowers on bare branches • Showy fall foliage |
| Japanese Witch Hazel | Hamamelis japonica | Japan | Upright/spreading form | 5–8 (borderline 5 in harsh climates) |
• Rare in cultivation as a pure species • Similar winter bloom interest |
| Hybrid Witch Hazel | Hamamelis x intermedia | Hybrids of Chinese (H. mollis) & Japanese (H. japonica) | Upright or vase-shaped | 5–8 (some cultivars to 9) |
• Bred for enhanced flower color, fragrance, fall foliage • Popular garden cultivars ‘Arnold Promise’ (yellow), ‘Diane’ (red), ‘Jelena’ (orange) |
Witch Hazel Care
Witch hazel thrives in well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter. Plant it in early spring or fall to allow roots to establish before extreme temperatures. Provide at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. Maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season to promote root development, then reduce frequency as the plant matures. Fertilize sparingly, applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if growth appears sluggish.
Pruning witch hazel is minimal; remove dead or damaged branches after flowering to maintain shape and health. In winter, mulch the base with organic material to insulate roots, especially in colder climates. For container growing, select a large pot with drainage holes and use a quality potting mix. Protect container plants from severe winter temperatures by moving them to sheltered locations or adding insulation.
Learn More About Witch Hazel Care
Witch Hazel Companion Plants
Choose partners that relish evenly moist, well‑drained soil, cold winters, and partial shade—exactly the conditions that keep witch hazel flowering on schedule. Rhododendron offers an evergreen backdrop that amplifies those filament petals and enjoys the same cool, humus‑rich footing, while star magnolia mirrors the early bloom window with its own cloud of scented tepals. Beneath the branches, hellebores lift winter flowers as witch hazel unfurls, and spreading lungswort follows with a splash of spring color before taller perennials emerge.
