About
Hamamelis vernalis, the Ozark witch hazel, is a medium to large deciduous shrub producing broadly oval, mid-green leaves and aromatic, bright-yellow to orange, ribbon-petalled flowers with a red centre on bare branches in late winter and early spring. An ornamental and reliable winter-flowering shrub for a sheltered, sunny or partly shaded garden.
About the genus
Hamamelis, the witch hazels, are deciduous shrubs and small trees with broadly oval leaves that often colour well in autumn, and fragrant, ribbon-like flowers in yellow, orange or red, borne on bare branches in late winter. Among the most valuable of all winter-flowering garden shrubs.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread2.5-4 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationBest in an open, sunny spot, avoiding exposed or windy positions, with well-drained, humus-rich, acid or neutral soil. See hamamelis cultivation
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by simple layering of suitable shoots in spring, by grafting in late winter or by chip budding in late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to coral spot, honey fungus, phytophthora root rot and powdery mildews