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Witch hazel is a flowering shrub native to North America and the Orient. It is best suited to cool, temperate climates and requires well-drained, moist, and slightly acidic soil. While witch hazel is not native to Australia, it can be grown in certain parts of the country. Garden Express, an Australian company, offers delivery of witch hazel across the country, excluding remote islands and territories. The Australian Climate Guide map can help determine which regions are most suitable for growing witch hazel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can witch hazel be grown in Australia? | Yes, it can be grown in most parts of Australia. |
| Where to buy in Australia | Garden Express |
| Common name | Bare-rooted trees |
| Genus | Hamamelis |
| Species | Five species from North America and the Orient |
| Height | 10-20 feet high, can be pruned to be kept smaller |
| Appearance | Large deciduous shrub with colourful, fragrant flowers during winter |
| Flowers | Yellow, orange or red flowers that resemble spiders |
| Soil | Well-drained, moist, slightly acidic to neutral |
| Sunlight | Full sun or filtered shade in hotter regions |
| Climate | Cool temperate, requires winter chill for full flowering |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance, resistant to most pests and diseases |
| Pruning | Prune by half when planting to encourage growth, prune after flowering for new growth |
| Fertilising | Fertilise once a year in late fall, once the plant has full foliage |
| Companion plants | Hellebores, winter heath, hardy cyclamen, snowdrop |
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What You'll Learn
Witch hazel's soil and climate requirements
Witch hazel is a hardy and versatile shrub or small tree that can thrive in a variety of soil and climate conditions. Here are the soil and climate requirements for successfully growing witch hazel:
Soil Requirements:
Witch hazel can grow in a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. It prefers well-drained, moist, and rich soil that is slightly acidic with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.5. Well-amended soil with organic matter and regular water is ideal for witch hazel, and it can adapt to acidic, alkaline, or neutral pH levels. It is important to avoid compacted or waterlogged soil, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.
Climate Requirements:
Witch hazel generally prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter regions. It is cold-hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures, but it is best suited to mild climates. Witch hazel requires a winter chill to attain full flowering and benefits from summer water and mulching to retain moisture. It can be planted in spring or fall, depending on the climate and growing conditions, and typically flowers in late winter or early spring.
Container Requirements:
For those with limited space, witch hazel can thrive in containers for several years before needing to be planted in the ground. Containers should be kept moist, and the roots protected during extreme cold spells.
Regional Requirements:
When determining the specific soil and climate requirements for growing witch hazel, it is essential to consider the region and local climatic conditions. The Australian Climate Guide map, for example, can help identify the suitable varieties for different coloured regions within Australia.
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Witch hazel's pest and disease resistance
Witch hazel is a beautiful and versatile plant known for its vibrant yellow flowers and medicinal qualities. While it is virtually maintenance-free and resistant to most pests and diseases, it is still susceptible to various issues that can affect its health and appearance.
One of the most common pests affecting witch hazel plants is the witch hazel gall aphid. These tiny insects feed on the sap of the plant and cause the formation of abnormal growths or galls on the stems and branches. While these galls can vary in size and shape, they are typically round or spindle-like and do not pose significant harm to the plant's overall health. However, they can be unsightly, and controlling the aphid population through pruning and removing heavily infested branches is recommended. It is important to dispose of the pruned material properly to prevent reinfestation. In severe cases, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help manage the aphids.
Another common pest of witch hazel is the witch hazel leaf roller. For small infestations, handpicking and destroying the affected leaves can be an effective control method. Biological insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can be used for larger infestations. Bt specifically targets the larvae of moth and butterfly species, making it a safe and environmentally friendly option.
In terms of diseases, witch hazel is susceptible to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers. This disease thrives in humid conditions with poor air circulation. Prompt action is necessary to treat powdery mildew, which includes pruning and removing any infected plant parts.
Leaf spot is another fungal disease that affects witch hazel, caused by various fungal pathogens. It manifests as small circular spots on the leaves that can be dark brown or purple, eventually leading to leaf discolouration or premature leaf drop. Good garden hygiene practices, such as regularly removing fallen leaves and debris from around the base of the plant, are crucial for controlling leaf spot. Additionally, applying a copper-based fungicide can help prevent its spread.
Root rot is a serious disease affecting the roots of witch hazel plants, typically caused by overly saturated soil conditions and poor drainage. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing or wilting leaves, stunted growth, and a foul odour emanating from the roots. Applying a fungicide specifically designed for root rot can aid in controlling this disease.
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Witch hazel's pruning and fertilising
Witch hazel is a low-maintenance plant that requires little pruning and fertilising. It is a large deciduous shrub with colourful, fragrant flowers during the winter. Witch hazels perform best in full sun or filtered shade in hotter regions. They are tolerant of various soil types and are resistant to most pests and diseases.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for witch hazel, but it can be done to maintain a clean shape and encourage blooming. It is best to prune the plant after it has finished flowering to encourage new buds for the next growing season. When pruning, first clip out any dead or damaged wood. Prune each branch back to healthy young growth, and trim out any crossing or weak branches. If you are pruning to reduce the size of the plant, prune back the previous season's growth to two buds, leaving as many floral buds as possible.
For severe rejuvenation pruning, take out all the suckers at the base of the plant, then prune the main stems to 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) from the ground. If you are pruning to shape the plant, always prune to an outside-facing bud to encourage a lovely shape.
Fertilising
Fertilise witch hazel once the plant has its full foliage. Granular, liquid, or stake-type fertilisers can be used. Granular fertilisers should be worked into the soil around the plant at a rate of 2 pounds or 2 pints per 100 square feet of the planting bed. Liquid fertilisers, such as Miracle Gro, can be mixed with water and applied three to four times per year, starting in late April and ending in mid-July.
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Witch hazel's flowering and fragrance
Witch hazels are large deciduous shrubs with colourful and fragrant flowers during the winter. They are virtually maintenance-free and resistant to most pests and diseases. Witch hazels perform best in full sun or filtered shade in hotter regions. The flowers glow like fiery embers in the backlight of the low winter sun.
Witch hazels require a winter chill to attain full flowering. They also need summer water. The ideal growing situation is morning sun, with light shade during the hot afternoon. In yards with limited space, witch hazels will thrive in containers for many years, though they will eventually need to be planted in the ground. Containers should be kept moist and the roots protected during extreme cold spells.
Witch hazel flowers are often described as "spidery" and are typically yellow, orange, red, or copper-orange. They usually bloom in late autumn to early winter, with some varieties blooming from January through March. The flowers have a pleasant, spicy fragrance, with some varieties having a stronger scent than others.
Some popular cultivars of witch hazel known for their flowers and fragrance include:
- Hamamelis ×intermedia 'Jelena': Vase-shaped structure with intensely fragrant orange flowers and brilliant fall foliage.
- Hamamelis ×intermedia 'Aphrodite': Exceptionally large burnt-orange flowers that bloom profusely in late winter.
- Hamamelis ×intermedia 'Diane': The standard for red-flowered varieties, with vibrant fall foliage of red, orange, purple, and yellow. It is more heat-tolerant than other varieties.
- Hamamelis ×intermedia 'Birgit': Dark red flowers that are smaller than other varieties and emit a mild fragrance.
- Hamamelis ×intermedia 'Rochester': Copper-orange flowers with a strong, spicy scent.
- Hamamelis ×intermedia 'Primavera': Honey-yellow flowers with a bright, rich scent.
- Hamamelis ×intermedia 'Orange Beauty': Deeply pigmented flowers with a strong smell.
- Hamamelis mollis 'Brevipetala': Yellow blooms that flourish in full sun and can flower from January through March.
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Witch hazel's delivery and availability in Australia
Witch hazel is a large shrub or small tree that flowers in autumn and winter. It is better suited to cooler climates and grows well in most types of soil.
Garden Express offers delivery of witch hazel across Australia, excluding remote islands and territories such as Christmas Island, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, Cocos Islands, and Groote Eylandt. They offer a flat rate of $12.50 for basic items, with bulky or heavy items such as roses, large pots, and certain hard goods incurring higher delivery charges. The company packs and dispatches orders daily, with delivery times varying based on the destination and current demand.
For certain areas of Australia, such as Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia, additional charges and delivery times may apply due to quarantine restrictions and inspections. In rural areas, StarTrack may deliver to physical addresses such as general stores that act as Australia Post agencies.
When ordering witch hazel for delivery, it is important to consider the climatic conditions of your region and provide the necessary care for the plant upon receipt. This includes fertilizing once the plant has full foliage and pruning to encourage a well-shaped tree.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, witch hazel can be grown in Australia. It is a large shrub or small tree that flowers in autumn and winter. It is best suited to cool, temperate climates and well-drained, moist, slightly acidic soil.
Witch hazel is commonly used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. It is also grown as an ornamental plant, with colourful, fragrant flowers that resemble yellow spiders.
You can buy witch hazel from online retailers such as Garden Express, which deliver across Australia.
Witch hazel grows best in full sun, but can also be grown in filtered shade in hotter regions. It prefers well-drained, moist, slightly acidic soil and regular watering. It is a slow-growing plant that can be grown in a container for several years before being transplanted into the ground.
