A late flowering shrub that sporadically blooms in early November, welcomes winter in December, and limitedly flowers in January is Hamamelis virginiana, the Common Witchhazel.

This native Carolinean species with its fragrant flowers is the first of the winter flowering shrubs. During late February and throughout all of March, it produces a profusion of small yellow flowers that are about 3/4 of an inch wide with 4 tentacle-like petals in each flower. These interesting flowers appear before the leaves emerge and help to create a sense of seasonal anticipation. . Leaves are a beautiful tawny yellow color in the fall. As a general observation, Hamamelis virginiana does not produce as many flowers as many of the improved cultivars that are commercially available on the market.

Hamamelis are all relatively tall shrubs that grow in moderate shade but will also successfully grow in fully exposed locations. They prefer moist, leafy, organic soils. However, they will also do reasonably well in poorer growing conditions. They are excellent for naturalistic settings or mass plantings . These harbingers of spring grow 8 to 15 feet in height and have a similar spread.

Hamamelis vernalis (Vernal Witchhazel)

A native North American shrub that is hardy from Zones 4 to 8. It is second hardiest next to Hamamelis virginiana. It has yellow to reddish, fragrant, ribbon-like flowers that bloom from late January through to March. Interestingly, Michael A. Dirr indicates that this species has the ability to roll up its petals on very cold winter days and unfurl its flowers on warm days.

Ornamentally, this plant can be used for screening purposes when mass planted or used as a large unpruned hedge..This plant grows 6 to 10 feet in height and has a similar spread. Fall color is a golden yellow for a 2 to 3 week period.

Hamamelis mollis (Chinese Witchhazel)

Aromatically fragrant 1 and ½ inch diameter flowers. Regretfully, this species is the least hardy in Niagara. This plant should be tried in a micro- climate to test its hardiness. It is all part of being a gardener...having an experimental sense of adventure. Hardy in Zone 5.

Hamamelis japonica (Japanese Witchhazel)

Spreading, architecturally interesting sparsely branched shrub/small tree from 10 to 15 feet. Fall leaf color range from yellows, to reds, to purple. Hardy to Zone 5. Difficult to source and is not readily available in Canada.

Hamamelis x intermedia

Ornamentally, the best witchhazels represent a hybrid group when Hamamelis japonica and Hamamelis mollis are crossed. All cultivars retain their characteristic spidery, 4 petaled flowers.

Three Cultivars of Note that are Readily Available at Leading Garden Centers

1. Arnold's Promise Witchhazel

   This cultivar, introduced by the Arnold Arboretum, has golden yellow flowers and petals to 1 inch in length. Its reddish calyx cup is especially attractive before the leaves unfurl. This cultivar is by far the best for all round ornamental effect. Flowers are very fragrant, long lasting, and normally start to bloom from mid February to March. Fall coloration is a spectacular collage of rich red and yellow colors.Once leaf drop occurs, another season is about to unfold. This vase-shaped plant ultimately grows to 15 to 20 feet in height with a similar spread.

2. Diane Witchhazel

   This plant is hardy to Zone 4.It is an excellent specimen for colorful flowers and fall coloration that ranges from copper-red to a rich orange-red. Its petals are about 3/4 of an inch long. This cultivar grows to about 7 feet in height and has a width of about 6 feet.

3. Westerstede Witchhazel

   This cultivar flowers in late February. It is upright in its habit of growth and eventually reaches 9 feet in height with a 6 foot spread. Hardy in Zone 5, it has primrose-yellow flowers.

Other cultivars of the cross include "Jelena" that is one of the best red witchhazels on the market. Its 1 inch long flowers are yellow at the tip, orange in the middle, and red at the base. From a distance, this plant glows like copper when it is in flower. Its fall coloration is equally spectacular with an autumn show of apricot- orange, to red to yellow.

There are other cultivars available but they are difficult to source and are generally unavailable in the nursery trade.

To quote Allen Patterson, former Director of the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton, Ontario, "unselected plants are worth their space, offering good autumn color, fragrant flowers and the possibility of distilling one's own witchhazel liniment to sooth sore muscles from the excess of gardening."

Food for thought indeed!