Species Ozark witch hazel
Yellow flowers with burgundy center, yellow anthers and black stems.

Ozark witch hazel

Hamamelis vernalis 'Squib'

Ozark witch hazel (Hamamelis vernalis 'Squib') is an amazing shrub for its color and size. It is native to the Midwest and has fragrant yellow flowers that bloom in early spring. In fact, it is the earliest of all the witch hazels to bloom. The 'Squib' has a loose, spreading growth habit that typically grows to 4 to 5 feet tall. It is disease and pest resistant and grows well in both sunny and partially shady sites. Its foliage is long lasting, with its deep green leaves turning to shades of yellow and purple during the fall and winter months. This shrub is truly remarkable, and it is sure to be the star of any garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

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

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Ozark witch hazel thrives with moderate to regular watering. Water the soil thoroughly whenever it feels dry to the touch, approximately once a week during hot seasons and every 2 weeks during cooler months. Allow the top inch or 2 of soil to dry out between waterings. It's best to water in the mornings so the leaves can dry out before nightfall, and do so at the base of the plant so the foliage is kept dry. Avoid over-watering or letting the soil become soggy, as this can lead to root rot.

sunlight

Ozark witch hazel (Hamamelis vernalis 'Squib') grows best in full to partial sunlight. It should receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day, ideally receiving a combination of direct/indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight may cause the leaves to burn, especially in the warmest and sunniest months, so providing partial shade during those times is beneficial.

pruning

Ozark witch hazel (Hamamelis vernalis 'Squib') should be pruned annually in late winter while the plant is still dormant. Pruning back any winter-damaged or dead stems can be done at this time. Ozark witch hazel will also benefit from selective pruning, which should be done shortly after flowering in early spring. Pruning should be done while the plant is still dormant, and the stems should be cut back to 6-12 inches above ground. Pruning too harshly or removing too many stems will affect the plant's flowering.

Season

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

Hamamelis vernalis 'Squib' typically starts flowering in late winter or early spring, usually between February and March.

Starts Flowering

Hamamelis vernalis 'Squib' typically starts flowering in late winter or early spring, usually between February and March.

Hardiness Map