Hamamelis vernalis (27/01/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to dappled shade
Flowering period: Winter
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 4m
Eventual Spread: 4m
Hardiness: 5a – 8b
Family: Hamamelidaceae
Hamamelis vernalis is a deciduous small tree or large shrub with a spreading, open habit. Its dark green leaves are elliptic, irregularly toothed margins, up to 13cm long and 13cm broad. Its leaves become orange and red in autumn before they fall, some leaves may remain on this shrub through the winter months. Its fragrant orange/ red flowers are borne in clusters of two to four on bare branches, its four petals are strap like and up to 10mm long. Its fruit is a hard woody capsule which is up to 15mm long, this spits explosively to eject its two black shiny seeds up to 10m. Its wide spreading roots will produce stolons.
Hamamelis vernalis, commonly known as Witch Hazel or Ozark Witch Hazel, is native to central North America.
The etymological root of the binomial name Hamamelis is derived from the Greek amamelis ‘a tree with pear like fruits’. Vernalis is derived from the Latin vernus meaning ‘of spring’, in reference to its late flowering period (compared to other Hamamelis).
The landscape architect may find Hamamelis vernalis useful as a small, winter flowering fragrant tree with fantastic autumn leaf color. Its is also useful in dappled shade locations.
Ecologically, Hamamelis vernalis flowers are attractive to some pollinating insects.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given Hamamelis vernalis ‘Sandra’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Hamamelis vernalis Flower (27/01/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Hamamelis vernalis prefers moist, deep, humus rich, well-drained soils. It prefers an acid to neutral pH of soil.
Hamamelis vernalis requires little maintenance. Formative pruning should be carried out in spring, after flowering.