How to Grow Witch Hazel Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Witch hazel tree is a plant that is found in North America. The leaves and bark of this plant are used to make an astringent that is commonly used to treat skin conditions.

How to Grow Witch Hazel Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Hamamelis virginiana
  • American witch-hazel
  • Eastern witch hazel
  • Witchazel
  • Snapping hazel

Common Knowledge

  • The witch hazel tree is a small, deciduous tree that is native to North America.
  • The leaves of the witch hazel tree are oval-shaped and have a toothed margin.
  • The flowers of the witch hazel tree are yellow and have four petals.
  • The fruit of the witch hazel tree is a round, hard capsule that contains two seeds.
  • Witch hazel trees prefer to grow in moist, well-drained soils.
  • Witch hazel trees are tolerant of shade and can grow in full sun or partial shade.
  • Witch hazel trees are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including scale insects, borers, and leaf spot.
  • Witch hazel trees are used in a variety of landscaping applications, including as specimen trees, hedges, and screens.
  • Witch hazel trees are also used in the production of witch hazel extract, which is used in a variety of cosmetics and skincare products.
  • Witch hazel trees are considered to be low-maintenance and easy to grow.

Related plant:
Witch Alder

Growing Steps

  1. For witch hazel tree, first step is to find the perfect location. It is best to grow your tree in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
  2. The second step is to prepare the planting hole. The hole should be twice the width and depth of the tree’s root ball.
  3. After preparing the planting hole, the third step is to backfill it with a mixture of half native soil and half compost.
  4. The fourth step is to remove the tree from the container and place it in the hole.
  5. The fifth step is to fill in the hole with the native soil-compost mixture, tamping it down as you go.
  6. The sixth step is to water the tree deeply.
  7. The seventh step is to mulch the tree with a layer of wood chips or bark mulch.
  8. The eighth step is to fertilize the tree twice a year with a balanced fertilizer.
  9. The ninth step is to prune the tree regularly to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.
  10. The final step is to enjoy your beautiful witch hazel tree!

Related plant:
Witch Hazel Shrub

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the witch hazel tree prefers well-drained, organically-rich soil, but it is adaptable to a variety of soil types as long as the soil is not waterlogged. The tree also prefers a sunny location but can tolerate some shade.

Light condition

Like the other trees, witch hazel needs sunlight to grow. It will do best in full sun, but it can also tolerate some shade. too much shade, though, and the tree will become leggy and produce fewer flowers.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for a witch hazel tree is one that is cool and moist. This type of environment is found in areas that have a lot of rainfall and in areas that are not too hot or too cold. witch hazel trees thrive in areas where the temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40-60% The witch hazel tree is a beautiful and unique plant that is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any garden. One of the best things about this tree is that it is very easy to care for and is very tolerant of different climates. The witch hazel tree is native to North America and can be found in many different parts of the United States. One of the best things about this tree is that it does not require a lot of water and can actually tolerate periods of drought. The witch hazel tree is also very tolerant of different humidity levels and can even thrive in areas with high humidity.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant do not need a lot of it. You can actually harm them if you use too much. It is best to use a organic fertilizer like compost or manure. As for the roots, they are very fibrous and do not need to be disturbed.

About light

Pruning a witch hazel tree is a simple process that can be done with just a few household tools. First, using a pruning shears, cut back any dead or dying branches. Next, using a saw, remove any branches that are growing into the tree. Finally, using a pruning saw, cut back any branches that are growing out of the tree.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of a witch hazel tree is achieved through rooting of stem cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings for rooting is in late summer when the new growth has hardened off. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of young, healthy branches that are about 6-8 inches long. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of young, healthy branches that are about 6-8 inches long. To root the cuttings, remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a container filled with a moistened, well-drained potting mix. Place the container in a shady location and keep the potting mix moist. Rooting should occur within 4-6 weeks. Once the roots have developed, transplant the witch hazel tree to a permanent location in the landscape.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 13 to 24 inches per year. This slow to medium rate of growth is typical for trees in this species. Some trees may grow faster or slower depending on the variety and growing conditions. When grown in the best possible conditions, some trees may even reach a growth rate of up to 36 inches per year.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf spot, mildew, root rot, canker and scale. Leaf spot is caused by different fungi, which infect the leaves and cause them to turn yellow or brown and to drop off. Mildew is a fungus that grows on the surface of the leaves and causes them to turn white or gray. Root rot is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots and prevents them from absorbing water and nutrients. Canker is a disease that affects the bark of the tree and can kill it. Scale is an insect that feeds on the sap of the tree and can cause it to die.

Basics of Growing

  • Make sure to choose a location for your witch hazel tree that has well-drained soil.
  • Witch hazel trees prefer full sun to partial shade, so make sure to choose a spot in your yard that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day.
  • When planting your witch hazel tree, be sure to dig a hole that is twice as wide as the tree’s root ball.
  • Mix some compost into the hole before planting to help the tree get off to a good start.
  • Water your witch hazel tree regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
  • Fertilize your tree twice a year with a balanced fertilizer to help it grow strong and healthy.
  • Prune your witch hazel tree regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it from getting too large for the space it is in.
  • Keep an eye out for pests or diseases that could affect your

Similar Plants

  • Witch Hazel
  • Witch-hazel
  • Hazelnut
  • Witchgrass
  • Witches' grass
  • Witchweed
  • Witch's thimble
  • Witch's-broom
  • Witch's-buttons
  • Witch's-milk

Source:
Witch-Hazel | Campus Trees - University of Minnesota
American Witch-Hazel | Yale Nature Walk
Common Witchhazel | University of Maryland Extension - UMD

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Trees Category