How to Care for Witch Hazel Plants

Hamamelis is the official family name of the witch hazel plant. Hamamelis Virginiana is the more common of the species in America, although there are four species and several cultivars. Witch hazel can grow as trees and shrubs, but the amount of care required for each is the same. This hardy plant only needs daily care when it's young. It can survive with very little attention once it's established. In fact pruning is optional.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning sheers
• Watering can
• Enriched soil

Instructions

1. Plant witch hazel in partially shaded areas. Although this plant can stand full sunlight, it thrives in shaded areas. Witch hazel plants exposed to full sunlight have compact growth, and they suffer from scorching and burning.

2. Keep the soil moist, but it must be well drained. Acidic soil is preferable, but the plant can adapt. Use soil enriched with organic matter.

3. Water young plants in their first year of growth. Water established witch hazel in dry periods if the leaves begin to wilt.

4. Prune witch hazel if you wish. Pruning is not necessary. However, according to Brooklyn Botanic Garden, you can prune heavily every 10 years to maintain the shape of the shrub. You can also prune established witch hazel that is overgrown.

References

• Brooklyn Botanic Garden