Witch Hazel Hamamelis × intermedia 'Vesna'

Water

Witch Hazel should be watered deeply, ensuring that the water reaches the roots, about once a week during the growing season, and less frequently during the dormant season. During hot and dry periods, increase the frequency to twice a week. The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely but should not be waterlogged either. A good rule of thumb is to provide the plant with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water every week, adjusting based on rainfall and temperature conditions.

Light

Witch Hazel thrives in full sun to partial shade but prefers several hours of morning sunlight with some afternoon shade. The best spot is one where the plant is sheltered from the harsh afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. Adequate light will ensure the most vibrant flower production in late winter to early spring.

Temperature

Witch Hazel is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, from approximately -20 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal temperature range for the plant is between 30 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid dramatically fluctuating temperatures and protect the plant from severe winter winds to prevent damage to the branches.

Pruning

Witch Hazel benefits from pruning to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth, although heavy pruning is rarely needed. Prune in late winter or early spring, after the plant has flowered, to remove any dead or crossing branches and to shape the plant. Perform touch-up pruning as needed, but avoid cutting into old wood, as this can reduce flowering.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Witch Hazel 'Vesna' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a slight acidity to neutral pH range, generally between 5.5 and 7. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part sand or perlite is ideal to ensure proper drainage and aeration while retaining sufficient moisture.

Repotting

Witch Hazel 'Vesna' does not require frequent repotting; it can be repotted every 3 to 5 years or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one to allow for growth.

Humidity & Misting

Witch Hazel 'Vesna' prefers moderate humidity levels, generally around 40-60%. It is adaptable to average home humidity but benefits from increased humidity in very dry indoor environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Witch Hazel 'Vesna' near a sunny window.

• Outdoor

  Plant Witch Hazel 'Vesna' in partial shade to full sun.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

The Witch Hazel 'Vesna', a hybrid variety, starts its life cycle as a dormant seed, which upon experiencing the right conditions of cold stratification followed by warmth, germinates in the early spring. The seedling then begins to establish its root system while sending forth shoots that will develop into stems and leaves. Throughout the spring and summer, the plant enters a period of vegetative growth, producing larger and more extensive foliage and branching, thus increasing its photosynthetic capacity for energy production. As the plant matures and enters the flowering stage, usually during the late winter to early spring, the Witch Hazel 'Vesna' produces fragrant yellow to orange flowers with distinctive ribbon-like petals. After pollination, typically by wind or insects, the flowers develop into seed capsules that mature in the fall and eventually eject seeds to start a new generation. The Witch Hazel 'Vesna' also enters a period of dormancy in the winter, reducing metabolic activity in preparation for colder temperatures.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter

• The most popular method of propagation for the Witch Hazel (Hamamelis × intermedia 'Vesna') is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring to early summer, when new growth is still pliable and has not yet hardened into woody stems. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and taken from the current season's growth. Each cutting should have a few leaves at the top and be trimmed just below a node, the point from where leaves or branches grow. The bottom cut end should be dipped into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development and then inserted into a pot filled with a moistened mixture of perlite and peat. The pot must be kept under high humidity conditions, such as inside a plastic bag or under a dome, and in indirect light until the cuttings have rooted, which may take several weeks.