Hamamelis – Best Landscape Sites

Optimum siting and microclimate for witch hazel plantings produce top performance.

Dec 4, 2006
Georgene A. Bramlage

Hamamelis 'Arnold Promise' - ©Georgene A Bramlage_2006

Choosing optimal site and microclimate for Hamamelis (witch hazel) planting locations facilitates growth and generates best spring and autumn performance.

Hamamelis species and cultivars (varieties) need specific site and microclimate conditions in order to achieve optimum landscape performance. These small trees and large shrubs can extend landscape garden interest to four seasons and reinforce designs by filling specific niches. Keen site observation and design creativity by the home gardener or landscape designer help to satisfy cultural requirements.

Hamamelis can be utilized as more than woodland understory plantings. Small successful groupings of Hamamelis in the U.S. at public gardens like Longwood Gardens, and Scott Arboretum at Swarthmore College in the U. S., and Witch Hazel Nurseries, Kent, England show that flowering is more profuse when plants are sited in full sun as long as general cultural requirements are observed. Hamamelis species and cultivars stand out in particular in spring and autumn landscapes.

Here are two cultural constraints to keep in mind when choosing and using Hamamelis species and cultivars:

They like their heads in the sun and feet in moist, acid well-draining soils; some varieties are more pH adaptable than others; they do not like extremely dry conditions.

They need some shade as protection from direct summer sun as well as protection from drying winter winds.

Locating Hamamelis in a design requires keen knowledge of the design microclimate and discipline to utilize this information. For example:

Hamamelis look stunning and light up spring and autumn plantings when early morning (east) or late afternoon (south / southwest) sun falls through their branches. In these locations shapes and textures of witch hazel stand out and the subtle flower colors glow and sparkle.
Hamamelis grow and appear at their best when sited with native fine-textured evergreens and close family (Hamamelidaceae) "cousins" that thrive in the same environments.

You might also enjoy reading more about Hamamelis in my other articles:

Witch hazels, written by Christopher Lane , contains a wealth of information about witch hazels and their uses in landscape design.

Georgene A. Bramlage, The Wallace Agency, Roanoke, VA

Georgene A. Bramlage - Suite 101 Landscaping Feature Writer and Topic Editor Free-lance Garden and Landscape Writer and Consultant