Witch hazel bush is a plant that has many benefits. It can be used to treat skin conditions, such as acne and eczema. It can also be used to relieve muscle pain and inflammation.
Related plant:
Witch Alder
Related plant:
Witch Hazel Plant
About soil condition, witch hazel bush prefers moist to wet soil conditions and can even tolerate short periods of flooding. It is not, however, tolerant of long-term drought. In fact, one of the biggest problems with witch hazel bush is that it is quite susceptible to leaf scorch, especially during periods of drought.
Like the other types of plants, witch hazel bushes need sunlight to grow. Without sunlight, the leaves of the bush will begin to turn yellow and eventually die. When planting a witch hazel bush, be sure to place it in an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day.
The temperature condition that is most favorable for witch hazel bush is cool to cold weather. This shrub does not tolerate heat very well and will not do well in climates that are too warm. Witch hazel bush prefers full sun to partial shade and will do best in soil that is moist and well-drained.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is at 50% This plant prefers a well-drained, sandy soil, and an ideal location would provide dappled sunlight throughout the day. If the soil is too clay-like, it will hold too much moisture and not drain properly. If the location is too shady, the witch hazel bush may not bloom as profusely.
The fertilizer, this kind of plant need, is dependent on the pH of the soil. A higher pH will require less fertilizer. The best way to find out how much fertilizer your witch hazel bush needs is to have a soil test done.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your witch hazel bush healthy and looking its best. Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. remove any dead, diseased, or weak branches. Cut back any branches that are crossed or rubbing against each other. Thin out the bush, removing up to one-third of the oldest branches. This will encourage new growth and make the bush fuller.
Propagation is usually done by rooting hardwood cuttings taken from the witch hazel bush in late winter or early spring. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and should be taken from new growth. Cuttings can also be taken from semi-ripe wood in late summer.
Usually, the plant growth rate is between 13 and 24 inches per year. Some may grow as little as 6 inches per year while others may spurt out and grow 3 feet in a year. It all depends on the growing conditions and the plant's health.
Common problems for this kind of plant are Aphids, Japanese Beetles, Leaf Spot, and Powdery Mildew. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from plants. Japanese Beetles are shiny, greenish-brown insects that eat the leaves of many different kinds of plants. Leaf spot is a type of plant disease that causes brown or black spots to form on the leaves. Powdery mildew is a type of plant disease that causes a white or gray powdery substance to form on the leaves.
Source:
Witch-Hazel | Campus Trees - University of Minnesota
Witch Hazels | Horticulture and Home Pest News
Common Witchhazel | University of Maryland Extension - UMD
