Overview
Hamamelis virginiana is a columnar upright shrubs in the genus Hamamelis, part of the Hamamelidaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 4-8 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Hamamelis virginiana grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds. It is native to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec.
About
Hamamelis virginiana, commonly known as Virginian witch hazel, is a deciduous shrub with a columnar upright habit, growing to 4-8 metres in height and spreading 2.5-4 metres. Native to parts of Canada, it thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist but well-drained soils including clay, loam, and sand with acid to neutral pH. This low-maintenance shrub is suitable for sheltered positions and offers seasonal interest throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter, reaching full height over 10-20 years.
About the genus
Witch-hazels or witch hazels (Hamamelis) are a genus of flowering plants in the family Hamamelidaceae, with three species in North America, and one each in Japan (H. japonica) and China (H. mollis).
Wikipedia contributors, "Witch-hazel", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Witch-hazel
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hamamelis
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Hamamelis virginiana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hamamelis virginiana
- Propagation
- Grafting
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Coral spot, Honey fungus, Phytophthora root rot, Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hamamelis virginiana?
Hamamelis virginiana prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hamamelis virginiana need?
Hamamelis virginiana is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Hamamelis virginiana grow?
Hamamelis virginiana reaches a height of 4-8 metres and a spread of 2.5-4 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Hamamelis virginiana hardy in the UK?
Hamamelis virginiana has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Hamamelis virginiana?
Grafting.
More in the Hamamelis genus
Browse all Hamamelis →
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