Even if the witch hazel does not require much care, it cannot be called undemanding. It only grows and blooms to the satisfaction of the garden owner if it receives enough light, all the necessary nutrients and enough water.
How do you care for a witch hazel effectively?
For optimal care of a witch hazel, it needs a wind-protected, light-rich location with loose, nutrient-rich soil. Always keep the root ball moist, but avoid waterlogging. Fertilize in spring and prune carefully.
Planting the witch hazel
The ideal planting time for witch hazel is autumn, but you can also plant a well-developed container plant in spring. However, it will take some time for the witch hazel to reach its final size because it grows very slowly. You shouldn't transplant the witch hazel, it doesn't like that at all.
For the plant to develop well, it is important to have loose, permeable, nutrient-rich soil and a wind-protected location with as much light as possible. Only then will the witch hazel sprout its delicate flowers in winter. Depending on the variety, these are yellow, orange or even bright red. However, in severe frost the petals curl up and become less attractive.
Water and fertilize the witch hazel
The soil around the witch hazel should not dry out, but should also not allow waterlogging. A loose and permeable soil with a layer of mulch is therefore ideal. During a long dry period, water your witch hazel moderately, otherwise the rainfall is usually sufficient. Because witch hazel needs a lot of nutrients, work some organic fertilizer (€56.00 on Amazon) into the soil in spring.
Pruning the witch hazel
You should be very careful when pruning the witch hazel. It is not one of the plants that tolerate cutting and takes offense at mistakes very quickly. She's only slowly recovering from that. It then takes care of easily and then doesn't bloom.
The most important things in brief:
- demanding in terms of location and soil
- Don’t let the root ball dry out
- fertilize in spring
Tip
Although the witch hazel does not require much care, it only brings joy when it is well looked after. Therefore, plant the witch hazel in a place with lots of light, little wind and nutrient-rich soil.
