If you were looking forward to a lush bloom in the summer, then you will be disappointed by the witch hazel - or rather, you will be surprised, because it only blooms in the winter, usually from January onwards, and in a mild winter from December.
What care does a witch hazel need in summer?
In the summer, the witch hazel does not require any special care, only care should be taken to ensure that the root ball is not too dry. Water occasionally in dry conditions and, if necessary, incorporate organic fertilizer in spring.
The flower color is delicate or bright yellow, orange or even red, depending on the variety you choose. The four petals are long and narrow. They look a bit like colorful spiders. However, because the flowers grow in clusters, they are pretty to look at. They also smell quite pleasant.
Does witch hazel need special care in summer?
In a “typical northern German summer” with occasional rain, you don’t have to worry about your witch hazel or take any special care of it. She has everything she needs for good growth. If it grows on very poor soil, it can tolerate a little organic fertilizer. However, you should work this into the ground in spring. A layer of mulch then protects the soil from drying out.
Early summer is a good time to propagate witch hazel using planters. To do this, select a he althy and well-flexible long shoot. Remove some of its leaves and cut it slightly on the underside to facilitate root formation.
Now bend this part of the shoot towards the ground and cover it with some soil. Fix the shoot with a tent peg (€28.00 on Amazon) or weigh it down with a stone so that it actually stays in the ground. It now takes some time for roots to form. Only then can you separate the young plant from the mother plant and transplant it.
Summer tips for witch hazel:
- no special care required
- Don’t let the root ball dry out
- water occasionally during prolonged drought
- Late summer is a good time for lowering shots
Tip
Especially in a dry summer, make sure that the root ball of your witch hazel does not become too dry, otherwise it will not bloom the next season.