Images Depict Mature Plants
American Witch Hazel
Hamamelis virginiana
American Witch Hazel is prized for its unique fall and winter blooms, providing vibrant yellow flowers when most plants have gone dormant. Its deer-resistant nature and ability to thrive in both full sun and partial shade make it ideal for woodland gardens, borders, or as a striking specimen plant in naturalized landscapes.
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American Witch Hazel Shrubs For Sale Online
American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a unique and hardy deciduous shrub known for its striking yellow, fragrant flowers that bloom in late fall into early winter, long after most other plants have finished flowering. American Witch Hazel Flowers can often be seen among the first snow falls of the year. Thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8, this native shrub grows to a mature size of 15-20 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for large gardens, naturalized areas, or woodland edges. American Witch Hazel is especially valued for its late-season blooms, with ribbon-like yellow petals that appear from October to December. They offer vibrant color and beauty to the fall and winter landscape.
In addition to its distinctive fall flowers, American Witch Hazel boasts lush green foliage in the spring and summer, which turns a beautiful golden-yellow in autumn before the leaves drop. This multi-season interest makes it a popular choice for gardeners seeking year-round beauty. The shrub’s spreading, vase-like growth habit, and adaptability to full sun or partial shade make it a versatile addition to various garden settings. American Witch Hazel is also known for its medicinal properties, as its bark and leaves have been traditionally used to make witch hazel extract, a popular natural remedy.
Low-maintenance and deer-resistant, American Witch Hazel is perfect for creating natural privacy screens or adding structure to woodland borders. It thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soils and is drought-tolerant once established, making it an easy-care shrub for a variety of landscapes. Whether planted as a focal point or as part of a larger garden design, American Witch Hazel provides year-round interest and ecological benefits, such as attracting pollinators with its late-season blooms.
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-8 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 15 to 20 feet |
| Mature width: | 15 to 18 feet |
| Classification: | Broad-leaved deciduous shrub |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Habit: | Upright habit, Vase shaped |
| Foliage: | Matte bluish-green changing to deep yellow fall color |
| Flower Color: | Bright yellow very late fall into winter |
| Pruning Season: | Prune in early spring |
| Soil Condition: | Any well-drained soil |
| Water Requirement: | Water well until established. |
| Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as in the mixed border, or as a specimen. |
How to Care for American Witch Hazel
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy American Witch Hazel for years to come!
How Do I Plant An American Witch Hazel Plant?
To plant an American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and blooming. Start by digging a hole twice as wide and as deep as the plant’s root ball to allow the roots to spread easily. Place the shrub in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and hydrate the roots. Applying a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base will help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. When planting multiple American Witch Hazel shrubs, space them 15-20 feet apart to allow for their mature size, which can reach up to 20 feet tall and wide. During the first growing season, keep the soil consistently moist by watering deeply once or twice a week, especially during dry periods. After the shrub is established, it becomes more drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering. American Witch Hazel thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soils and is adaptable to various soil types, making it a versatile addition to woodland gardens, borders, or naturalized areas. With proper planting and care, this shrub will reward you with its stunning yellow fall blooms and vibrant foliage year after year.
How Do I Water An American Witch Hazel Plant?
To properly water an American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), it’s important to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first year after planting when the shrub is establishing its root system. Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the water reaches the root zone, particularly during dry or hot periods. Deep watering helps the roots grow deeper and makes the plant more drought-tolerant over time. Mulching around the base of the plant with a 2-3 inch layer of organic material like wood chips or straw will help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce the need for frequent watering. Once established, American Witch Hazel becomes more drought-tolerant and requires less frequent watering. Typically, natural rainfall will be sufficient, but during extended dry periods, it’s important to check the soil regularly. If the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, water the plant thoroughly to keep it healthy. Avoid overwatering, as American Witch Hazel prefers well-drained soil and can be sensitive to waterlogged conditions. Proper watering encourages vibrant fall blooms and healthy growth throughout the year, ensuring that your American Witch Hazel thrives in your garden.
How Do I Fertilize An American Witch Hazel Plant?
To fertilize an American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), it’s best to apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. A general-purpose fertilizer with a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 ratio will provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which promote healthy foliage, strong root development, and abundant blooms. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant, avoiding direct contact with the trunk, and water thoroughly after application to help the nutrients absorb into the soil. Fertilizing once a year is typically sufficient to keep your American Witch Hazel thriving. For an organic approach, you can top-dress the soil around the shrub with compost or well-rotted manure in early spring. This organic method improves soil structure while gradually releasing nutrients, creating a healthy growing environment for the plant. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as American Witch Hazel generally thrives in poor to average soil conditions and can become leggy with too much nitrogen. Proper fertilization will support the shrub’s vibrant yellow fall blooms, lush green summer foliage, and ensure that it remains healthy and beautiful throughout the year.
How Do I Prune An American Witch Hazel Plant?
To prune an American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), the best time is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to maintain the plant’s overall health. Use clean, sharp pruning shears and make cuts just above a healthy bud or branch junction. You can also thin out crowded or crossing branches to improve air circulation and light penetration, which encourages better growth and flowering. Pruning American Witch Hazel lightly will help maintain its natural, vase-like shape and prevent it from becoming too dense. If you want to control the size or shape of your American Witch Hazel, prune back the longest branches after the flowering season, which usually occurs in late fall. Be sure to avoid over-pruning, as this can reduce the number of blooms in the following season. This shrub generally requires minimal pruning, as it naturally develops a beautiful, arching form. Regular light pruning will keep your American Witch Hazel looking healthy and well-shaped, while ensuring it produces its signature yellow flowers and vibrant fall foliage year after year.
