Species witch hazel
blue-green, oval-shaped leaves with green midribs and gray stems

witch hazel

Hamamelis japonica 'Pendula'

Witch hazel (Hamamelis japonica 'Pendula') is an amazing plant species. It is a large shrub or small tree that has an attractive gracefully pendulous habit. It bears soft yellowish-green flowers in late winter and early spring, and clusters of bright red fruit that appear in autumn. This plant is capable of tolerating both dry and wet soil conditions and is renowned for its deep yellow autumn foliage. It is ideal for use as a specimen in the garden or in a woodland setting. Witch hazel is a low-maintenance species that is capable of bringing unique beauty and character to any garden and is also ideal for creating a screen.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Layering Propagation,Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Light yellow with dark red inner cup Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

watering

For optimal growth, witch hazel should be watered twice per week. Water deeply, so the soil is saturated and the excess moisture runs out of the drainage hole. A good starting point is to give the plant about a quart of water in the summer months and a cup or 2 in the colder months. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. If the soil remains too dry for extended periods of time, it may start to crust or form a hardpan layer, making it difficult for new roots to penetrate.

sunlight

Witch hazel tolerates partial shade but grows best when it receives at least 4-6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. During spring and summer, it's best if the plant receives morning sun and afternoon shade. During the cold winter months, the plant can tolerate more shade, but it should still have access to some direct sunlight for a few hours per day. If the plant is positioned in an area that receives too much sun, its leaves may test parched and dry, scorched by the sun's ultraviolet rays.

pruning

Witch hazel (Hamamelis japonica 'Pendula') should be pruned in late winter or early spring. This plant has a weeping habit and is therefore best suited to pruning of long and straggly stems, to encourage a more compact shape. Remove any dead, diseased or damaged stems and thin out overlong branches by cutting back to a healthier side shoot. Pruning should be done judiciously as this species does not have a fast growth rate.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Witch hazel typically starts flowering in late winter or early spring, usually between February and April.

Starts Flowering

Witch hazel typically starts flowering in late winter or early spring, usually between February and April.

Hardiness Map