Hamamelis virginiana - Virginian Witch Hazel

Hamamelis virginiana, commonly known as Witch Hazel, is a North American botanical species that stands out from other witch hazels for its early flowering, which can be enjoyed as early as autumn. One of the first to bloom in the garden, this witch hazel offers a distinctly bright yellow flowering that is pleasantly fragrant, as its foliage begins to fall. Its fruiting, also yellow, makes it a subject covered in gold at the end of the season. This bush brightens up autumn in large hedges and woodlands. Plant it in any exposure, preferably in a humus-rich and moist soil.

Hamamelis virginiana is native to a vast area ranging from Canada to southern Texas. Hamamelis belong to the witch hazel family, which also includes Loropetalum, Liquidambar, and Persian Ironwood, all of which invariably display foliage in fantastic colours. The Virginian witch hazel has a moderately fast growth rate and an average lifespan. Eventually, it forms a large, vigorous bush, with an upright habit during its youth, then becoming more spreading, with ascending branches. Its typical dimensions are approximately 4m (13ft) in height and 3.50m (11ft) in spread. Its deciduous foliage is composed of dentate or lobed leaves, 8 to 15cm (3 to 6in) long, resembling hazelnut leaves. They are a fairly light green on top, pubescent underneath, and turn golden yellow in autumn before falling. Its flowers are highly fragrant and a brilliant yellow. They bloom on the branches from October to November. Each flower consists of elongated petals, 2cm (1in) long, curiously crumpled, almost claw-like, resembling witch fingers. They are clustered together and visited by the last bees in search of nectar. After pollination, decorative fruits form in lignified capsules, 1.2cm (1in) in diameter, which turn yellow at maturity.

Hamamelis virginiana prefers soils rich in humus, low in limestone, and consistently moist and light. Partial shade exposure suits it perfectly, but it is very tolerant in this regard. Plant it on the edge of woodlands, under the cover of large trees, in a large free hedge. To accompany it, choose, for example, cornus (Cornus mas, Cornus officinalis, flowering dogwoods), or Davidia. It will also be magnificent in a border, combined with evergreen shrubs such as an autumn camellia or a large rhododendron if your soil and climate permit. At its base, you can plant, among others, winter heathers, heucheras, or even hellebores.