Witch Hazel Hamamelis × intermedia 'Adieu'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Adieu' is a cultivated variety that boasts a visual charm in gardens. It has a multi-stemmed, vase-shaped growth habit that allows it to present its attributes effectively. As a deciduous shrub, it loses its leaves annually, revealing an attractive framework of branches that can provide visual interest even in the dormancy of winter. During its blooming season, 'Adieu' is adorned with unique spider-like flowers. These flowers are a soft yellow hue and display a slight, delicate fragrance that can attract passersby. The blooms are distinctive, with narrow, ribbon-like petals that curl and twist, creating an almost ethereal look as they emerge on bare branches. The leaves of 'Adieu' show up after the flowers, and they offer their own appeal. They are broad, somewhat oval in shape with wavy or slightly crinkled edges and come in a fresh green color when they first appear. As the seasons transition into autumn, these leaves transform into striking colors ranging from yellow to orange and red, making the plant a showcase of fall foliage. The branches of 'Adieu' are gracefully arranged and provide the shrub with an open and airy structure. The overall appearance is one of subtle charm, with seasonal interest provided by both the unique flowers in late winter to early spring and the colorful foliage show in the autumn.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Witch Hazel, Hybrid Witch Hazel
Common names
Hamamelis × intermedia 'Adieu'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as witch hazel is generally recognized as non-toxic to humans. There is no widespread documented evidence that witch hazel, when touched or ingested in small amounts, causes poisoning or adverse health effects in humans. However, it's always prudent to avoid ingesting plants not meant for consumption, as individuals may have varying sensitivities or allergic reactions.
To pets
Witch hazel is also generally considered to be non-toxic to pets. It is not commonly known to cause poisoning in animals such as cats and dogs. Nevertheless, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset in pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea, so it is recommended to prevent pets from ingesting this plant. If a pet does ingest witch hazel and shows signs of distress, it is best to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
12 feet (3.7 meters)
Spread
12 feet (3.7 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Offers attractive yellow to orange-red blossoms during late winter to early spring when few other plants are in bloom.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides garden interest year-round with its vibrant flowers, interesting leaf texture, and colorful fall foliage.
- Wildlife Habitat: Attracts birds and beneficial insects, providing them with natural habitat and food sources.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good resistance to drought, making it suitable for gardens with less water availability.
- Low Maintenance: Typically requires minimal pruning and is not demanding regarding soil fertility or pH.
- Tolerates Cold: It is hardy in many climates and can withstand cold temperatures once mature.
- Erosion Control: Can be used on slopes and banks to help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Architectural Structure: Sturdy branches and overall form provide a strong structure to the garden during winter months.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of garden styles, including woodland gardens and more formal settings.
- Fall Coloration: Leaves often turn attractive shades of yellow, orange, and red in autumn, adding to the seasonal display.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Witch hazel hybrids like 'Adieu' can be used as natural fencing when planted in a row due to their dense branching.
- The wood of witch hazel is quite strong and has been used historically to make bows and small tool handles.
- Witch hazel twigs have traditionally been used as divining rods for water dowsing due to their forked shape.
- The fragrant flowers of witch hazel can be used in potpourris to add a unique scent to a room.
- The plant's extract is sometimes used in the production of biodegradable floral waters or toners for use in the cosmetics industry.
- Bird enthusiasts may use witch hazel in their gardens to attract species that feed on its seed pods, such as finches and cardinals.
- During fall, the colorful leaves of witch hazel can be collected and used in autumnal crafts and decorations.
- Witch hazel branches can be woven into wreaths and other ornamental items due to their flexibility.
- Photographers and painters might seek out witch hazel for its distinctive blossoms as an artistic subject during the winter months when few other plants are in bloom.
- Witch hazel can be incorporated into educational gardens or botanical collections for its interesting hybrid origins and winter blooming habit.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Witch Hazel is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityWitch Hazel is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Magic: The witch hazel is often associated with magic and mystical properties due to its use in divination and its natural tendency to bloom in the colder months, defying the usual dormancy of many plants.
- Healing: Known for its medicinal properties, witch hazel symbolizes healing and has been used for generations as a natural remedy to soothe skin irritations and reduce inflammation.
- Protection: Due to its use in folk traditions as a way to ward off evil and negative influences, witch hazel can symbolize protection and a safeguard against harm.
- Adaptability: Blooming in late winter or early spring, often while the last frosts still threaten, witch hazel represents adaptability and resilience in the face of challenging conditions.
WaterWitch Hazel should be watered thoroughly during its growing season, typically every 7 to 10 days, depending on weather conditions. Provide enough water to keep the soil moist, but not soggy, which would roughly be about 1 to 1.5 gallons per week for an established shrub. During the dormant season, reduce watering frequency, but do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Newly planted witch hazels may need more frequent watering, like every 2 to 3 days, to help establish their root system.
LightWitch Hazel thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The optimum location would be a spot where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can tolerate some shade, especially in hot climates where some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching.
TemperatureWitch Hazel prefers a temperate climate and typically fares well in temperatures ranging from 30°F to 75°F. It is cold hardy down to about -10°F and can survive short periods of extreme cold, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below this minimum can cause damage. Ideally, Witch Hazel should be grown in an environment where the temperature does not fluctuate drastically.
PruningPruning Witch Hazel is generally done to maintain an attractive shape and remove any dead or crossed branches. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just after the blooming period but before the new growth starts. It is typically pruned every year or as needed if the plant becomes too large or overgrown.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWitch Hazel 'Adieu' prefers well-draining, fertile soil, rich in organic matter. A mix with equal parts loam, leaf mold or compost, and coarse sand or perlite is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingWitch Hazel 'Adieu' does not need frequent repotting as it is a slow-growing plant. Repotting every 3 to 5 years in the spring is sufficient unless the plant has outgrown its container or the soil has degraded.
Humidity & MistingWitch Hazel 'Adieu' prefers average to high humidity levels. Outdoor plants usually get enough humidity from the environment, but if grown indoors, the humidity should be maintained around 40-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade or sun, mulch, and keep soil moist.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Witch Hazel 'Adieu' begins its life as a seed, requiring stratification—a period of cold to break dormancy—before germination. Once the conditions are favorable, typically in spring, the seedling emerges and establishes a root system, while developing its first leaves. As a slow-growing deciduous shrub, it progresses over several years to maturity, developing characteristic broad leaves and a woody stem structure. It flowers in late winter to early spring, with distinctive fragrant yellow to red flowers that are pollinated by insects. After pollination, the plant produces seed capsules that mature in autumn and forcibly eject seeds, dispersing them for propagation. The plant enters a period of dormancy during the winter, losing its leaves until the next growth cycle initiates.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter
Propogation: Hamamelis × intermedia 'Adieu', commonly known as Witch Hazel, is often propagated by softwood cuttings taken in late spring to early summer. The cutting, which should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, is taken from a healthy branch. After the lower leaves are removed, the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone powder to increase the chances of successful rooting. The treated cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that at least two nodes are buried where the leaves were removed. The pot needs to be kept in a warm, humid environment out of direct sunlight, often covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain moisture. Roots typically develop within 4 to 8 weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before being transplanted outdoors.
