witch hazel

Witch hazel should be watered twice every week. The amount of water should be enough to keep the soil slightly moist, but not soggy. During the summer months, water more thoroughly and allow the top 2 inches of soil to become slightly dry between watering. In the winter months, reduce watering but the soil should not be allowed to become completely dry. Over-watering can be a concern with Witch Hazel, so it is important to pay close attention to the soil moisture.

Witch hazel (Hamamelis intermedia 'Robert') is an attractive deciduous shrub that does best in full sun to partial shade. In a location with full sun, witch hazel needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day during the growing season and should be protected from harsher afternoon sun. In partial shade, witch hazel will tolerate less direct sunlight but will still need about 4-5 hours each day. During the winter months, it will need up to 8 hours of bright direct sunlight as this is when it is in its dormant stage.

When it comes to pruning witch hazel (Hamamelis intermedia 'Robert'), the best time to do so is within 1 month after it has finished blooming, usually in springtime. To maintain a desired size and shape of the shrub, selectively cut out the oldest and tallest branches while leaving the lateral growth of the plant untouched. To ensure healthy growth, prune no more than 1-third of the shrub’s height each year. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches as soon as they are spotted. Always avoid pruning in the fall, as it will disrupt the dormancy period of the shrub and damage the winter display of flowers. With proper pruning, witch hazel can be kept healthy for many years to come.