Vernal Witchhazel

Categories: Large Shrubs (Deciduous), Plants, Shrubs

Hamamelis vernalis (Vernal Witchhazel) – This medium-sized shrub is highly prized for its showy yellow flowers with red bases that appear along bare branches in late winter, adding a beautiful contrast to the winter garden. Its spreading habit of growth and reliable gold fall color make it a versatile and adaptable plant. Its flowers are hauntingly fragrant, adding to its appeal.

Characteristics

Average Landscape Height:

9 feet

Average Landscape Width:

13 feet

Growth Rate:

medium

Genus:

Hamamelis

Species:

vernalis

Flower Color:

gold

Flower Period:

from late winter to early spring

Summer Foliage Color:

green

Fall Color:

yellow

Minimum Light:

shade

Maximum Light:

full sun

Minimum Moisture:

average

Maximum Moisture:

wet

Plant Form:

spreading

Canopy:

closed

Pruning:

prune after flowering

Pollution Tolerance:

medium

Other Species Names:

Witch Hazel

Branching:

multi-stemmed

Density:

dense

Flower Form:

strap

Flower Fragrance:

high

Ornamental Features

Vernal Witchhazel has fragrant gold strap-like flowers with red calyces along the branches from late winter to early spring before the leaves. It has green deciduous foliage which emerges burgundy in spring. The serrated oval leaves turn an outstanding yellow in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Vernal Witchhazel is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

Planting & Growing

Vernal Witchhazel will grow to be about 9 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 13 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This shrub performs well in both full sun and full shade. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America.

Vernal Witchhazel

Characteristics

Ornamental Features

Landscape Attributes

Planting & Growing

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Vernal Witchhazel

Characteristics

Ornamental Features

Landscape Attributes

Planting & Growing

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