Virginian witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a shrub that can grow 3m – 8m tall and 3m – 8m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Virginian witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana).
This plant has several common names including: Virginian witch hazel, American witch hazel, snapping hazel nut, spotted alder or winter bloom.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 10-20 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: Virginian witch hazel, American witch hazel, snapping hazel nut, spotted alder, winter bloom
Scientific name: Hamamelis virginiana
Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Columnar / Upright
Height: 3m – 8m
Spread: 3m – 8m
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: Informal Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding, Hedging & Screens, Low Maintenance
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Virginian witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) – Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Shrubs are fundamental elements in any garden.
They add color and interest throughout the seasons with their wide variety of flowers, foliage, fruits, trunks and stems.
Whatever the size or style of your garden, the permanent woody structure or the foliage of evergreen shrubs will give the space shape and dimension.
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How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Virginian witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Virginian witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in clay, loam or sand.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH acid or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Hamamelis virginiana likes to grow in moist but well drained soil.
Sunlight
Virginian witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Virginian witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) – Downtowngal, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
