Witch alder is a beautiful plant that is native to North America. It has long, slender leaves that are green in summer and turn a brilliant yellow in fall. The small, fragrant flowers appear in early summer and are followed by small, dark berries. Witch alder is a great plant for shady areas of the garden and is tolerant of wet conditions.
Related plant:
Arnold Promise Witch Hazel
About soil condition, Witch Alder grows best in sites that are moist to mesic with humus-rich soils, but it can also tolerate drier, clay soils. It does not do well in sites that are constantly flooded or waterlogged.
Just like other alder trees, witch alder does best in full sun to partial sun. It will tolerate a wide range of soils, as long as the ground is not too dry. This tree does not like wet feet, so make sure the soil has good drainage. Witch alder is a good choice for difficult sites, including those with poor soils, full sun, and little water.
The temperature condition that is most favorable for the growth of witch alder is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is optimal for the growth of the plant, as it is neither too cold nor too hot. Witch alder can grow in a variety of soil types, but prefers soils that are high in organic matter. The plant is also tolerant of drought conditions and can grow in full sun or partial shade.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is moist soil however it will tolerate some drought. It is often found in wet areas such as floodplains, along streams, and in swamps. It can also be found in drier upland sites.
Discussing fertilizer, this type of plant food is important for many gardens, however it is not necessary for all types of plants. This is especially true of native plants, which are often well-adapted to the nutrient levels in their natural environment. Witch alder is an example of a native plant that does not need fertilizer. In fact, too much fertilizer can actually be harmful to this plant. When it comes to watering, witch alder is quite drought-tolerant once established. However, young plants will benefit from regular watering during their first growing season. When it comes to the roots of a witch alder, they are quite shallow. This means that this plant is not well-suited for areas with high winds.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your witch alder looking its best. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches. You can also prune to shape the plant or to control its size. Witch alder can be pruned in late winter or early spring.
Propagation of witch alder is typically done through rooting hardwood cuttings taken from the desired plant. The cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and should be 6-8 inches long. The cuttings should be placed in a rooting hormone and then planted in a well-draining potting mix. The pot should be kept moist and in a location with bright, indirect light. It can take several months for the cuttings to take root and develop into new plants.
Usually, the plant growth rate is about 24 inches (60 cm) per year. However, some may only grow about 12 inches (30 cm) in a year. This really depends on the growing conditions of the plant. If the witch alder is in an area with full sun and moist soil, then it will likely grow at a faster rate.
Common problems for this kind of plant are scale, stem galls, and witches'-broom. Scale can be a serious problem on both stems and leaves, and can cause dieback. Stem galls are often caused by aphids, and can distort and deform the plant. Witches'-broom is a condition caused by several different fungi, and is characterized by dense, bushy growths of twigs. It can eventually kill the plant if left unchecked.
Source:
Fothergilla latifolia (Large Fothergilla, Large Witch-alder) | North ...
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