🌲 Hamamelis

Plant in fertile, humus-rich soil that retains moisture but is well drained. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH; avoid calcareous/strongly alkaline soils and waterlogging. Witch hazel does not like its roots disturbed. Prepare a wide planting hole, incorporate compost and avoid frequent transplanting.

Feed lightly: apply compost (or a modest dose of balanced, slow-release fertilizer) in early spring. On alkaline soils, use an ericaceous fertilizer to avoid chlorosis. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote sluggish growth to the detriment of flowers; do not fertilize in late summer/autumn.

Mulch 5 to 8 cm above the root zone every spring (keep mulch 5 to 10 cm from the stem). This conserves moisture, moderates soil temperature and promotes the humus-rich conditions that witch hazel prefers; top up after summer heat or heavy decomposition.

Witch hazel leaves and bark can be prepared as an infusion/decoction for external use (e.g., a cooled liquid applied as a wash or compress for minor skin irritation or hemorrhoidal discomfort). It is not commonly used as a beverage in tea form; if you are considering internal use, consult a qualified clinician due to the high tannin content and potential adverse effects.

Keep pruning to a minimum. After flowering, remove dead, damaged or crossing shoots, as well as basal rootstock suckers; avoid heavy pruning, which can reduce flowering and spoil the natural vase-shaped habit.