The witch hazel blooms early in the year, indicating the approaching end of winter. But where does the flowering shrub feel particularly at home? We will tell you in which location the witch hazel thrives best.
In a nutshell
- Choose a location that is as sunny and sheltered from the wind as possible
- fewer flowers and less growth in semi-shady or light-shady places
- provide moist, nutrient-rich and acidic soil
- plant sheltered from the wind
- plan about 16 square meters of space per plant
Table of contents
- light or shadow?
- Floor
- Protect from wind
- use in the garden
- Bucket attitude
- frequently asked Questions
light or shadow?
The witch hazel (witch hazel) needs as much sun as possible for the most lush flowers possible. It is therefore best to plant the shrub in a sunny spot in the garden. Basically, he feels winter bloomers but also in penumbra or light shade, but here it will show significantly slower growth and form fewer flowers. Full shade, on the other hand, is a completely unsuitable location for the witch hazel.
A notice: In any case, the witch hazel grows quite slowly with an average of 15 to 30 centimeters per year, but can grow up to four meters high and up to 250 centimeters wide over time and depending on the variety become.
Floor
Witch hazel also places special demands on the garden soil, which are not always easy to meet, especially in sunny locations:
- fresh to moist, but permeable (no waterlogging!)
- humus and nutritious
- slightly acidic to acidic pH
- no calcareous and / or sandy soil
Drought, in particular, is quickly noticeable as a lack of growth and an unhealthy appearance of the shrub.
Tip: The soil pH you can lower it by clicking when planting bog bed- or. Use rhododendron soil. The mulching with bark mulch and/or compost will continue to keep the pH down and also help keep the soil moist.
Protect from wind
Furthermore, the witch hazel is quite sensitive to wind and drafts, which is why the ideal location is as sheltered as possible. For example, one provides the necessary wind protection housewall, a wall or something similar.
A notice: Don't be afraid of frost! The witch hazel is very hardy and does not need winter protection. She simply rolls up her flowers when the temperature falls below zero and unfolds them again as soon as the thermometer climbs above zero.
use in the garden
Witch hazel is best grown as a solitary shrub, i. H. in a single position, planted, for example in an easily visible and / or exposed location. After all, you want to enjoy the beautiful flowers in winter, which is why you use the wood if possible
- in the front yard
- next to the main entrance
- in front of a window
- next to the terrace
should plant.
Tip: Many types of witch hazel not only provide bright splashes of color in winter: they are also used for a strong known in autumn, in which the deciduous leaves turn yellow to orange, depending on the location and variety to dye.
Bucket attitude
In fact, witch hazel can also be cultivated permanently in a bucket, provided you follow these tips:
- Minimum size for tubs 50 x 50 centimeters (width x height)
- Use bog and rhododendron soil as plant substrate
- ensure good pot drainage, e.g. B. with drainage option for excess irrigation water and a layer of expanded clay
- place in a sunny and sheltered spot
- water and fertilize regularly
- never let it dry out
Tip: Also keep in mind that witch hazel does not tolerate pruning well and therefore cannot be kept small. Therefore, choose varieties that remain as small as possible for container keeping, such as 'Arnold Promise' or 'Diane'.
frequently asked Questions
So that you can enjoy the flowers of the witch hazel next winter, it is best to plant the wood in autumn. However, well-rooted container plants can also be planted in the spring; you should only refrain from planting in the hot summer months. Witch hazel grows very slowly and takes around three years to take root.
Only transplant the witch hazel once it is well established and shows visible growth. This is usually the case about three years after planting. Also, do not underplant the flat-rooted plant with plants that have strong root competition or competition for water and nutrients. Small onion flowers and early bloomers, for example snowdrops, grape hyacinths or winterlings. On a planting with ground cover - with the exception of the Small periwinkle or the golden strawberry – you should also do without.
Depending on the variety, witch hazel bushes can grow between 250 and 400 centimeters wide and therefore require an appropriate planting distance from the outset. You should ideally plan 16 square meters of space per plant. Also put the shrubs in a suitable location, as they are very difficult to transplant.
