Looks good out there, smells good out there. I’ve been enticed out of the office today by the intoxicating scent of Hamamelis. In colour right now and filling the air with its’ warming, welcoming spicy scent Hamamelis or ‘Witch Hazel’ is the choice at this time of year for winter scent. This is the plant that keeps on giving as the leaves in the autumn are covered in rainbows of colour before dropping.
The name Hamamelis is Greek in origin, ‘hama’ meaning together and ‘mela’ meaning fruit. This flower, fruit and the following years leaf buds all appear on the branch at the same time – this is very unusual among trees.
Hailing from North America and East Asia they are natural woodland plants that form large shrubs or small trees. The frost resistant flowers are borne in spidery clusters and appear in January – February. The autumn foliage colour is a stunning mix of orange and yellows held in hypnotic stripes. On the whole the flowers are yellow of varying different shades although some of the more unusual cultivars are a deep sexy red in colour.
Ideal as a specimen plant and also effective planted in groups. Equally happy in woodland gardens and in the back of mixed borders these winter warmers are versatile and showy. Hamamelis are happy in well drained acid to neutral soil in full sun or partial shade. Plant with winter stem colour Cornus for a more dramatic show. With little pruning required Hamamelis really are worth a try. Keep in tip top condition with mulch each autumn.
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Robert Orange Beauty Diane
