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 H6. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden. It is native to E Canada, Midwest & East USA and Mexico.
About
Hamamelis virginiana is a large, upright shrub that can reach heights of 5 meters and occasionally grows into a small tree up to 10 meters tall. Its leaves are smooth, broadly oval, or nearly round, measuring up to 15 centimeters in length. They start off light green before maturing to a darker shade. From mid-autumn to late autumn, this plant produces clusters of sweetly fragrant flowers, which feature slightly twisted, crimped petals in a pale yellow hue, approximately 16 millimeters long. These blossoms emerge while the foliage is still green and persist even as the leaves transition to a golden yellow and eventually drop. This species is known as the source for the medicinal extract commonly referred to as witch hazel.
About the genus
Hamamelis consists of deciduous shrubs featuring broadly ovate or rounded foliage, which may exhibit vibrant colors in autumn. The plants produce fragrant flowers with four narrow petals, ranging from yellow to red, appearing on bare branches during late winter and early spring, or occasionally in autumn.
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
- H6
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
- Native to
- E Canada, Midwest & East USA, Mexico
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hamamelis virginiana
- Cultivation
- Grow in moderately fertile, neutral or preferably slightly acidic soil which is well-drained but humus-rich and moisture-retentive in summer, in full sun or partial shade, in an open position with shelter from cold drying winds, and add mulch to conserve moisture; will also tolerate soils over chalk if they are deep and humus-rich; for more advice, see witch hazel cultivation
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as they are ripe (seeds may take two years to germinate), or by layering in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to coral spot, honey fungus, phytophthora root rot and powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Hamamelis virginiana?
Grow in moderately fertile, neutral or preferably slightly acidic soil which is well-drained but humus-rich and moisture-retentive in summer, in full sun or partial shade, in an open position with shelter from cold drying winds, and add mulch to conserve moisture; will also tolerate soils over chalk if they are deep and humus-rich; for more advice, see witch hazel cultivation.
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 do I prune Hamamelis virginiana?
Pruning group 1.
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 a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Hamamelis virginiana?
Propagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as they are ripe (seeds may take two years to germinate), or by layering in autumn.