Witch hazel is also exceptionally winter hardy, grows well anywhere in the country and is generally tolerant of a range of different growing conditions.
Colourful impression
As they are slow growing at first, it may take witch hazels a few years to make a diet bright and colourful impression in the garden, but as they mature they develop a striking branch structure with the flowers carried in clusters in winter and early spring. Given space to develop, a witch hazel is an essential winter shrub.
The witch hazel extract sometimes used medicinally is distilled from the leaves, bark or twigs of an American species, Hamamelis virginiana.
How to recognise witch hazels
THE flowers are unusual, with four slender twisted petals up to 3⁄4in (2cm) long creating a rather spidery look. Most varieties have gold or yellow flowers, although varieties with orange, coppery or slightly reddish flowers are now seen more often. In the autumn after flowering, the seed pods split explosively and fling the seeds up to 30ft (9m) from the parent plant.
From Asia come two winter or spring flowering witch hazels – Hamamelis mollis and Hamamelis japonica – with large flowers and, in the best varieties, a strong fragrance.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 05, 2022-Ausgabe von Amateur Gardening.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 05, 2022-Ausgabe von Amateur Gardening.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters