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Arts & Entertainment

Winter's Blooming Lifeline

Witch Hazels Considered "Prince" of Winter

When even the flower show is too long to wait for that glimpse and whiff of spring, hamamelis is your lifeline.

Witch hazels–the popular term for the hamamelis genus of shrubs–are a “remarkable group” with species that flower from November through March, according to Tony Aiello, Director of Horticulture at the Morris Arboretum.

Celebrations of witch hazel are scheduled on Saturday, Feb. 19 and Sunday Feb. 27 at the Arboretum.

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The first of the two events is a workshop this coming Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Taught by witch hazel expert Randy Kobetich, the class consists of both a lecture and field experience at the Arboretum. 

The second event, from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, is a family activity, featuring a witch hazel scavenger hunt around the Arboretum and related craft project.

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“Morris Arboretum has the premier collection of witch hazels in the U.S.,” Kobetich said.

Indeed, some of its specimens date back to John and Lydia Morris in the 1800s, according to Aiello. The Arboretum has at least 50 different varieties of witch hazels and more than 100 plants, he said.

“Their positive attributes can’t be beat,” Aiello said. “There’s no issue with invasiveness,” because some of the species are native to the Wissahickon Valley. 

One variety, hamamelis virginiana, has long been harvested and processed for medicinal and cosmetic value.

The range of colors in the cultivars–blooming in yellow, deep gold, orange, red and even purple–perk up landscapes, as well as spirits. Kobetich said that some species also offer “exotic fiery fall foliage.”  

And some provide the added bonus of fragrance.

In order to maximize the extraordinary scent, gardeners should plant witch hazels near walkways, Kobetich suggested. To best catch their color, he recommends planting them in front of evergreens, so that in winter, the evergreens provide background for the delicate flowers, and cluster the contrasting colors together for the most dramatic show.

Another fun aspect of witch hazels is the reaction of the blooms to temperature change. As the day’s thermometer warms up through the 30s and 40s, the blooms unfold, but at night when the temperatures dip below freezing, they curl up like a fist, Kobetich explained.

Even weeks before they’re ready to bloom, witch hazels can be cut and brought into the house, Aiello pointed out. This will “force” blooms to enjoy indoors during January and February as well.

Gardeners can assert their will on the size and shape of most witch hazels. Many cultivars are expected to grow eight to 10 feet tall, with an equal spread. But Kobetich likes to prune most of his own fifty plants down to “two growth buds” each year. That produces more lateral growth and “rewards you with an abundance of flowers closer to eye level,” he said.

Kobetich recommends his favorite book on the subject: Witch Hazels, by Chris Lane. Aiello would call readers’ attention to an article in Yankee Magazine from November/December 2008 by Steve Kemper titled, “Witch Hazel: Connecticut is the Source.”  http://www.yankeemagazine.com/issues/2008-11/features/witch-hazel

Two nurseries are also known as exceptional resources in the region on witch hazels and both provide extensive mail-order options. They are Fairweather Gardens  and RareFind Nursery.

“I don’t like single season plants,” Kobetich said. “Witch hazels are 3.5-season plants: winter flowers, nice summer foliage, great fall foliage.  They’re the Prince of the Winter.”

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