A group of shrubs sometimes small trees, that recreate the ugly ducking story every year, fairly unattractive with hairy plain green leaves in the summer. In the autumn the leaves change to orange and yellow before revealing the unmistakable slightly scented, spider-like flowers with twisted petals in shades of yellow, orange or red on bare stems.
Witch hazel is slow-growing but will eventually need room to spread, they will stand some shade and are not fussy to grow. Plant it so you can see from the house or near a path, a sheltered spot will make it flower earlier often starting in the autumn. Height 2 metre spread 2 metres 6 foot by 6 foot
Most witch hazel cultivars are grafted onto a rootstock. Sometimes the rootstock can produce suckers (shoots) these should be cut back to the stem. The suckers will have small insignificant flowers and will grow faster taking over the plant.
Very easy to grow, they can take light shade. They are great at the back of borders, make sure you can see the winter flowers from the house.
They need room to grow and develop. Spend some time to plan the best position and check how much room you need to allow. Slow growing they are not cheap to buy.
