Plant pick: Witch hazel

Published 3:32 pm Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Witchy woman

Witch hazels are perhaps best known for producing funky flowers just when we need them most: Winter. But many varieties also offer interesting fall foliage. Diane, for example, features medium-green leaves that turn bright yellow and scarlet in autumn. Diane also produces dark, copper-red flowers in mid– and late winter, providing a show against its bare branches. Witch hazels thrive in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. They also grow well under the light shade of tall trees or with a half-day of sun and a half-day of shade. Provide regular water during summer dry spells, watering deeply to encourage a deep and extensive root system. Vase-shaped in its growing habit, Diane will reach 8 feet tall and wide in 10 years. Other Great Plant Picks witch hazels include Arnold Promise, Jelena, Pallida, Winter Beauty and Chinese witch hazel.

www.GreatPlantPicks.org