How to Grow and Care for Chinese Witch Hazel Plants
Hamamelis mollis
       
Chinese Witch Hazel, Hamamelis mollis is a low maintenance, deciduous shrub
that typically grows 10-15 feet tall with a similar spread.
Branches that have already formed buds can be cut and forced to bloom indoors
using the same method you used to force Forsythia or Quince sprigs.
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Growing Requirements for Witch Hazel Plants
Witch Hazel is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9 and is one of the earliest of all blooming shrubs,
providing you with up to eight weeks of unique, fragrant flowers.
Some varieties begin blooming as early as December
while others may bloom as late as March.
The soft grayish-green leaves emerge after the flowers.
The foliage turns to a bright yellowish-orange color in the fall.
Witch Hazel grows best in moist, rich, acidic soil.
To reach its maximum blooming potential, Witch Hazel should be grown in full sun,
but it will grow and bloom in partial shade as well.
Once established, Witch Hazel plants will tolerate occasional periods of drought.
Provide protection from cold winter winds.
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Pruning Witch Hazel
Witch Hazels seldom need pruning, but if you feel the need, the best time is from November to February, while the plant is dormant.
You can also prune your Witch Hazel lightly after it has finished flowering in the spring.
Propagating Witch Hazel Plants
Witch Hazel can be grown from seed that has been chilled in the refrigerator
for three months before planting them in the garden in early spring.
Germination may take up to one year.
Hamamelis can also be propagated by softwood cuttings taken in June.
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Witch Hazel
Hamamelis mollis |
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