Commmon Witchhazel
Hamamelis virginiana

Let’s see if I’ve got this straight. You say that there’s a shrub that’s quite hardy in the North, which blooms in October as its leaves are turning a rich gold, and which remains in bloom long after the leaves have fallen, often into early winter? And the flowers are fragrant? Where do I get me one of these?

Yes, this wholly incredible story is true, every last word of it. The magical shrub described above is the common witchhazel, a large and sprawling native of North America’s eastern woodlands. It features quite unusual yellow strap-like flowers along the branches at the same time as it turns color in fall, which itself is a wonderful golden color. The flowers persist through harsh frosts, curling up to retain heat and unfurling again in the warmth of the day.

Somewhat unfortunately, this quaint fact that the flowers are produced at the same time as the leaves turn color, combined with the similar colors of the flowers and leaves, means that the blossoms often go unnoticed until after the leaves have fallen, in an all-to-brief stint before the bitter northern blasts of air finally take their toll. Thankfully, the flowers have an alluring, almost mystical fragrance which wafts on the autumn air, further enhancing the distinctive fragrances of the season. The plant is a keeper for this fact alone, not to mention the fall color.

Witchhazel is an adaptable shrub that will grow in most landscape conditions. It’s about as carefree as any shrub can be, and will thrive without maintenance or attention.  It can grow very large and wide, so it should be sited wisely in the background or featured as an accent shrub with room to spare; it is not nearly compact enough to be used in any but the largest garden settings.

Click here to read more details on this plant in the Landscape Plant Search resource.