Ozark witch hazel

The Ozark witch hazel needs to be watered deeply twice a week, providing 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water each session. Water the soil until it is completely saturated and allow it to dry out between each watering. Although the plant prefers moist soil, it is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly to prevent root rot. If the soil stays too soggy, the plant may die. Water early in the morning so that the leaves will have time to dry out during the day. Avoid over watering as this can kill the plant.

Ozark witch hazel plants thrive best when exposed to 4-6 hours of direct sunshine each day. To ensure optimal growth, plant your Hamamelis vernalis in a location where it will receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight during its peak growing period, which typically spans from May to September. During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, it needs fewer hours of direct sunlight and can tolerate more shade. Try to place your plant in a location where it will receive partial shade throughout the day during the winter months to protect it from the intense winter sun.

Ozark witch hazel should be pruned in early to mid-spring, before the onset of active growth, which is generally around March or April. The best way to prune Ozark witch hazel is to remove any dead, diseased, or broken branches or shoots. This will allow the remaining branches to have the space and nutrients they need to thrive. Additionally, selective thinning of these branches, either by pruning out whole branches or thinning out the foliage, will create an open, aesthetic structure to the plant. This will promote the growth of healthy, attractive new branches. Finally, thinning out older branches to promote the health of the entire shrub may also be necessary.