Chinese witch hazel

Chinese witch hazel needs to be watered once or twice a week. Depending on the temperature and atmosphere of the area, the amount of water supplied to the plant can be adjusted accordingly. In warmer conditions, the plant should be watered more frequently and more deeply. For colder climates, it is best to water less but more frequently. Give the soil enough water until it is moist, but take caution not to saturate it. Be sure to let the soil dry out before re-watering the plant.

Chinese witch hazel is a deciduous shrub that prefers bright light but not full direct sun all day. It needs at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day, ideally in the morning or late afternoon, as the over-exposure can scorch the foliage of this species. During the summer months when the intensity of sun is greater, it can do with a little less sunlight. Too little sun, however, will cause the shrub to become pale and leggy.

Chinese witch hazel (Hamamelis 'Brevipetala') should be pruned annually in late spring or early summer, after the flowers have faded. Pruning should involve shaping and thinning out the shrub, removing dead or damaged branches and and any broken or crossed branches, and reducing the amount of growth in the centre of the shrub. This will help to prevent overcrowding and encourage better flowering and branching. Aim to remove no more than 1-third to 1-half of the oldest, woodiest branches to maintain a healthy, balanced shape.