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anyone growing witch hazel?

17 years ago

If anyone has experience with growing this are there any tips, pointers, cautions that I should know? I am especially interested in Vernal Witch hazel. Does it tolerate partial shade? Exposure to wind? Any special cultural requirements? Does it really bloom as early as billed? How tall do they really grow in central IA? I tried to do some research on the shrubs forum but there's nothing like asking the people who are growing it here. Any info is appreciated.

Maria

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Comments (3)

bbriggs
17 years ago
I can't help you with witch hazel, it just brought another plant to mind that I like in central Iowa: Cornus mas. An old quote about cornus mas is that it rivals witch hazel for beauty of its early bloom. I don't know about that because I don't have any witch hazel. The cornus mas tolerates partial shade, can grow quite tall, perhaps 15' on my 15 year olds. It blooms very early. What I really like about it is its rich foliage which actually seems to produce a sweet smell, attractive bark, and virtual lack of maintenence requirement. It produces a cherry-like fruit which can be delicious but only when they are dead-ripe in my experience. But I suppose that is more than enough regarding a plant you didn't ask about.
dirtdoctortoo
Original Author
17 years ago
I don't know a thing about cornus mas except the ad copy in garden catalogues which is is hardly unbiased. Hmm, sounds interesting. I may have to consider it. I am pondering a border/hedge of edible small fruits such as elderberry, currents, gooseberries (no white pines around) and maybe a plum brake of wild plums. This might work there. Thanks for the info.
Maria
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Unless you bought a seedling of a species such as Virginia witchhazel it is liable to be grafted. Here we see Chinese and hybrid witchhazels grafted onto Virginia witchhazel, which can be quite diligent about sending up its own shoots, which have to be cut out every year in order to maintain control. Its leaves are thinner and less hairy than those of the garden forms grafted upon it, its shoots more slender. And if you mistakenly leave these in place, eventually they start to produce the species' smaller flowers - in October - a definite hint that you are harboring rootstock branches.
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Oh; I think Fresno might be a different story! I don't know that it would survive valley summers. For some reason I had it in my head that you were up in San Joaquin county; that area gets some delta breezes which help out greatly. I did a quick search on Dave's Garden, and they list witch hazel hardy only through zone 8b, but I couldn't find anything talking about heat index, which would be more appropriate in this case. I have a few seeds I could give you, if you want to give it a shot. They were given to me in trade, but I don't think I have a spot for them at this point (apartment dweller). No sense in hanging on to them if I don't know that I'll actually use them anytime soon. Amanda 'romando'
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This said not necessary to treat. Here is a link that might be useful: plant galls
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Hi, I haven't been to this nursery yet, but one of the instructors at the IES in Millbrook said they had great plants, and all native. I certainly plan on getting there sometime this spring. I should think they would have a good selection of woodland plantings: http://www.catskillnativenursery.com/index.html Also, the Dutchess County Conservation Center sells various shrub and tree seedlings once each year for very good prices - these are bare-root seedlings. The website is : http://www.dutchess.ny.nacdnet.org/products.htm However, you must go to their location in Millbrook to pick up the plants. But, being able to get a bundle of 10 Witch Hazel seedlings for $11 could be worth it :-) Philomena
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paws4pets
17 years ago
Try tis link.
Paws

Here is a link that might be useful: Witch Hazel

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