Witch Hazel Hamamelis × intermedia 'Angelly'
ABOUT
The 'Angelly' is a type of Witch Hazel that is admired for its distinctive winter blooms. It possesses a vase-shaped growth habit, which allows for a striking display in the garden. The flowers are particularly noteworthy, being ribbon-like with a crinkly texture, and they gracefully unfurl along the bare branches. These blossoms are typically a vibrant yellow color, which offers a vivid contrast against the bleakness of the winter landscape. The scent of the 'Angelly' flowers is pleasantly fragrant, contributing to its allure in a dormant garden. As the season transitions to spring, the 'Angelly' exhibits fresh green leaves that emerge to form an elegant backdrop. Come autumn, these leaves transform, providing a delightful show of colors that can range from yellow to red, adding yet another layer of interest to this versatile plant. The smooth bark of the Witch Hazel further accents the plant, adding textural variety throughout the year. Overall, the 'Angelly' is known for these captivating attributes that culminate in a plant with multi-seasonal appeal.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hamamelidaceae
Synonyms
Witch Hazel, Hybrid Witch Hazel, Winter Bloom
Common names
Hamamelis × intermedia 'Angelly'.
ToxicityTo humans
Witch Hazel is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no significant reports of toxicity from ingesting parts of the Witch Hazel plant. However, as with any plant, individuals may have allergic reactions or sensitivities to it. Ingestion of plant material typically is not associated with severe consequences, but it is always best to avoid eating plants not designated for consumption.
To pets
Witch Hazel is also not considered toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There's no widely recognized toxicity from pets ingesting parts of the Witch Hazel plant. Symptoms of poisoning are not expected, but it's always prudent to discourage pets from eating ornamental plants, as individual animals might have sensitivities or allergic responses, and some plants can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
10-15 feet [3-4.5 meters]
Spread
10-15 feet [3-4.5 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Produces vibrant yellow to orange-red flowers that brighten up the winter landscape when few other plants are in bloom.
- Winter Interest: Offers a splash of color during the dull winter months, when most other plants have died back or are dormant.
- Fragrance: The flowers have a delightful, subtle fragrance that can be enjoyed on mild winter days.
- Multi-Seasonal Interest: In addition to winter flowers, many cultivars have attractive fall foliage colors and a distinctively textured bark that adds interest throughout the year.
- Wildlife Support: Provides nectar for early-foraging bees and other pollinators at a time when few other food sources are available.
- Low Maintenance: Typically requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good resistance to drought and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions.
- Versatile Landscaping: Can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, specimen planting, or woodland gardens.
Medical Properties
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography backdrop: The striking yellow flowers of the witch hazel make a beautiful and vivid background for portrait and macro photography.
- Lunar gardening: Some gardeners plant witch hazel according to the lunar cycle, believing it influences the plant's growth and flowering time.
- Winter garden aesthetics: The winter-blooming characteristic of witch hazel adds color and interest to otherwise barren winter gardens.
- Crafts and decoration: Dried branches of witch hazel can be arranged into decorative wreaths or used in floral arrangements.
- Natural fencing: When planted in a row, witch hazel can form a dense, decorative hedge that adds privacy and structure to garden spaces.
- Botanical studies: Witch hazel is often used in universities for botanical and horticultural study due to its unique flowering biology.
- Artistic inspiration: The unique form and flowers of witch hazel often inspire artists and designers in various fields, from fashion to landscape painting.
- Eco-friendly confetti: The petals of witch hazel, when dried, can be used as a biodegradable confetti alternative in outdoor celebrations.
- Insect attracting: Witch hazel flowers are known to attract beneficial insects during the winter, providing an early food source for pollinators.
- Living snow gauge: The height of witch hazel shrubs can help determine the depth of snowfall in a garden, offering a natural gauge in winter landscapes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Witch Hazel is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Witch Hazel is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: The parent species of Hamamelis × intermedia 'Angelly', which is commonly known as witch hazel, has long been used for its medicinal properties. Thus, this hybrid carries the symbolism of healing and soothing.
- Protection: In folklore, witch hazel was thought to ward off evil spirits and negative influences, giving it a protective symbolism.
- Divination: The forked branches of witch hazel have been historically used as divining rods for water witching or dowsing, lending a symbolic connection to intuition and finding hidden things.
- New Beginnings: Blooming in late winter or early spring, witch hazel often symbolizes new beginnings and the hopefulness of the coming spring.
- Uniqueness: Witch hazel flowers during the colder months when very few other plants bloom, representing uniqueness and standing out from the crowd.
WaterWitch hazel should be watered thoroughly to establish a deep root system, especially during its first growing season. Provide about 1 gallon of water per week under normal conditions. However, during periods of drought or extreme heat, you may need to water twice a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. It's crucial not to overwater witch hazel, as its roots can rot in soggy soil. Adjust watering during the winter when the plant is dormant, reducing the amount to when the soil feels dry to the touch.
LightWitch hazel thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best spot for witch hazel is where it can receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily, though it can also do well with filtered light. Too much shade can reduce flowering and lead to a leggy growth habit.
TemperatureWitch hazel prefers moderate temperatures but is hardy and can tolerate winter cold down to about -10°F to -20°F, ideal for USDA hardiness zones 5-8. During the growing season, it can withstand temperatures up to 90°F. The ideal temperature range for witch hazel is between 40°F and 75°F, where it can flourish and produce its distinctive flowers.
PruningWitch hazel should be pruned to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged wood. The best time to prune is in the spring after the plant has finished blooming. Pruning too frequently or at the wrong time can inhibit its flowering potential. Generally, minimal pruning is needed besides the occasional removal of crossing branches or reshaping if the plant becomes too large for its space.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWitch Hazel 'Angelly' thrives in a well-drained, loamy soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6. A good soil mix would include garden soil, organic compost or leaf mold, and some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
RepottingWitch Hazel 'Angelly' does not need frequent repotting; once every 3 to 5 years is sufficient, or when the plant becomes root-bound.
Humidity & MistingWitch Hazel 'Angelly' is tolerant of a range of humidity levels but prefers average to high humidity conditions to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun, sheltered spot.
Hardiness zone
5-8 USDA
Life cycleHamamelis × intermedia 'Arnold Promise', commonly known as Witch Hazel, begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically in spring, after the seeds have experienced a period of cold stratification. The seedling then develops into a young plant, with characteristic oval, green leaves, and begins to establish a root system. As the plant matures, it undergoes vegetative growth, producing a multi-stemmed, vase-shaped shrub that can reach up to 12-15 feet in height and spread. Flowering occurs in late winter to early spring, before the leaves emerge, showcasing unique, fragrant yellow flowers with ribbon-like petals. After pollination, typically by early-season insects, the plant develops small, woody capsules that, upon ripening, explosively discharge seeds in the autumn. The shrub then enters a period of dormancy during winter, conserving resources until the next growing cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter
The witch hazel 'Angelly' is commonly propagated by softwood cuttings, a method typically conducted during the late spring or early summer when new growth is still flexible. To propagate using this method, a healthy shoot from the current year's growth is selected and a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) in length is taken. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped into rooting hormone to encourage root development. The treated cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining propagation medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite. The pot is kept in a warm, humid environment, out of direct sunlight, and the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged until roots have formed and new growth indicates successful establishment, at which point the new witch hazel plant can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before planting out in its final location.
