Witch hazel shrub is a plant that is native to North America. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be about 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The leaves of the witch hazel shrub are oval shaped and have a toothed margin. The leaves are dark green in color and turn yellow in the fall. The flowers of the witch hazel shrub are small and yellow. They bloom in the fall and are followed by brown fruits that are oval in shape.
Related plant:
Witch Alder
Related plant:
Witch Hazel Bush
About soil condition, the witch hazel shrub prefers acidic to neutral soil that is moist but well-drained. It will tolerates clay soil as long as it is not waterlogged. Chalk and sandy soil are not ideal because they are too dry.
Not too different with other plants, witch hazel shrubs need sunlight to grow. The amount of sunlight required depends on the variety of witch hazel. Some need full sun, while others do well in partial shade. too little sunlight can result in leggy, weak growth.
The temperature condition that is best for a witch hazel shrub is one that is cool and moist. This shrub prefers a climate that is not too hot or too cold. too much sun can damage the leaves, and too much wind can cause the branches to break.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 50%. If the humidity gets too low, the leaves will start to curl and the plant will become dormant. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will turn yellow and drop off.
Discussing fertilizer, this family of plant foods contains nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. These elements are necessary for the growth of all plants, including witch hazel. In general, it's best to use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, when feeding witch hazel. This type of fertilizer contains an equal amount of each element, so it will encourage growth in all areas of the plant. However, you can also use a fertilizer that is higher in nitrogen if you want to encourage growth in the leaves, or one that is higher in phosphorus if you want to encourage growth in the roots.
Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring. witch hazel shrubs can be cut back by as much as two-thirds of their height without damaging the plant. This will help to control the size of the shrub and encourage new growth.
Propagation of the witch hazel shrub is typically done through rooting of hardwood cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and should be 6-8 inches long. The bottom of the cutting should be cut at an angle just below a leaf node. Cuttings should be placed in moist, well-draining soil and should be kept in a shady area.
Usually, the plant growth rate falls between 13 and 24 inches per year. However, they have been known to grow as fast as 36 inches in a year under the right conditions. When witch hazel shrubs are first planted, they may experience a growth spurt. However, this is not always the case. Once witch hazel shrubs are established, their growth rate will usually level off.
Common problems for this kind of plant are typically stress related. Overwatering and poor drainage can lead to root rot, while drought can cause the leaves to turn brown and drop off. Another common problem is powdery mildew, which appears as a white, powdery film on the leaves and stems. Left untreated, powdery mildew can cause the witch hazel shrub to become stunted and distorted.
Source:
Common Witchhazel | University of Maryland Extension - UMD
Witch Hazels | Horticulture and Home Pest News
Hamamelis vernalis (Ozark Witch Hazel, Vernal Witch Hazel, Vernal Witch ...
