Winter is coming, with it comes grey skies, grey moods and no flowers, or so you may think. Â I hear many Hoosiers asking themselves why winters must be so bleak in our wonderful state. Â Though the skies may turn grey, your garden does not need to match its grisly appearance. Â There are many plants that will bring interest, color and enjoyment to your yard during the winter months. Â Today I will introduce one of those, the Witch Hazel, a native of the North American Continent.
The witch hazel has many positive qualities not only during the winter months, but throughout the year. Â It grows from 8-20 feet depending on the variety and is easy to maintain. Â Being hardy and with few to no pest problems, plant these in well drained soils and you will be treated to a symphony of color. Â In the fall these plants blast into color with a beautiful display of color ranging from gold to orange to red. Â Each individual witch hazel will have multiple colors in the fall and when planted in masses provide a stunning scene.
Let’s not forget what they bring in the winter! Â This is what makes them truly unique. Â While the rest of the plant world is going to sleep, witch hazels are just getting around to flowering. Â Depending on the variety Witch Hazels bloom during late-fall, winter and early-spring. Â The flowers bloom all over the plant, covering its branches. Â Resembling spiders, these flowers may give you the heebe geebees, that is until you catch a whiff of their sweat aroma. Â Visit the Missouri Botanical Gardens website to learn more and find out when to visit and see these and many other plants. Â Read more here
Photo credit to Jim at “Your Garden Sanctuary”. Â Read his great blog about witch hazels here! Â A really great read, I highly recommend browsing the information he provides.