Vernal Witchhazel
Hamamelis vernalis
I've had my Vernal Witchhazel for several
years now and it's finally starting to look like something. The first
winter after I planted it rabbits chewed it down to a bunch of stubs.
In subsequent winters I caged it with chicken wire and it's recovered nicely.
Unlike the Common Witchhazel (H. virginiana) which flowers in the
fall, the Vernal Witchhazel bears its clusters of blooms in the spring,
hence it's common and botanical names. I chose it over the other
because it tends to be smaller and I thought the fragrant flowers would
be welcome in the spring. I planted it near the sun room with the
idea that I could open the windows in the spring to let in the spicy scent.
As it has turned out, the flowers come when it is still too early to be
opening windows. And, hopefully as it gets larger and more floriferous,
I won't need to be right next to it to enjoy it.
As far as form goes, right now it's looking a little rangey. Last year I moved away some encroaching bugbane with the hope that more light reaching the base of the plant will stimulate more shoots to emerge and it seems to be working.