shrub

Common Witch Hazel

Name: Common Witch Hazel
Brand: Hamamelis
Availability: InStock

Hamamelis virginiana

$99.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

240 inches

Width

240 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived, over 40 years

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Hamamelis virginiana is a large, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub or small tree native to eastern North America. It is celebrated for its unique, fragrant, spidery yellow flowers that bloom in late autumn, often after the leaves have dropped. Its most distinctive feature is its late-season bloom time, providing a surprising burst of color and fragrance as the landscape heads into winter. The plant is also the source of the astringent witch hazel, extracted from its bark and leaves.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Common Witch Hazel is a superb ornamental for the naturalistic garden. Its primary appeal is the fragrant, ribbon-like yellow flowers that appear in mid to late fall, providing an unexpected and delightful show when most other plants are dormant. The broad, rounded leaves turn a lovely golden-yellow in autumn, often coinciding with the first flowers. Its open, vase-shaped habit is attractive in winter.

The plant is the source of commercial witch hazel extract, an astringent used in skincare and first aid products. It can be grown as a large, informal screen or hedge for privacy. Its tolerance for shade and moist soil makes it a valuable problem-solver for difficult areas of the landscape.

As a native plant, it provides significant ecological benefits. It is a host plant for the larvae of several moth species. Its late-season flowers are a crucial nectar source for winter moths and other cold-hardy pollinators. The seeds are eaten by birds like ruffed grouse and wild turkey.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$99.95

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with partial shade and moist, acidic, organic-rich soil.
Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the shrub in the hole, with the top of the root ball at soil level.
Backfill with soil and water deeply to settle.
Water regularly, especially during the first year and in dry weather.
Mulch with compost or shredded leaves to conserve moisture and cool the roots.

Pro Tip

Plant it where you can enjoy its late-season fragrance, such as near a walkway or patio, for a delightful autumn surprise.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, as it does not tolerate drought well.
Plant in a location with good air circulation to minimize leaf diseases.
Allow it to grow into its natural, open, vase-like shape.
Remove root suckers to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent spreading.

Don't

Do not plant in dry, alkaline, or compacted soils.
Avoid heavy pruning, which can ruin its natural form.
Don't let the soil dry out completely, especially in summer.
Refrain from using broad-spectrum insecticides that could harm its unique winter moth pollinators.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Fragrant accent for autumn and winter gardensNaturalistic woodland edge or understory plantingEffective privacy screen or informal hedge

Companion Plants

Fothergilla gardenii Itea virginica Tiarella cordifolia Polystichum acrostichoides Viburnum acerifolium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Common Witch Hazel questions

What zones can Common Witch Hazel grow in?

Common Witch Hazel is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Common Witch Hazel deer resistant?

Yes — Common Witch Hazel is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Common Witch Hazel bloom?

Common Witch Hazel typically blooms in mid-fall through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Common Witch Hazel need full sun?

Common Witch Hazel does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.