Grow a witch hazel

Visiting my local garden centre the other day, I noticed a batch of new plants which had just arrived. I spotted one that just looked plain and green, but the label showed it covered in attractive yellow flowers – and with the words “winterflowering.” Itt is called witch hazel ( Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’).

I decided to buy it. The flowers are pretty, spiderypetalled, pale sulphur yellow, and are meant to be scented. The flowers only appear after all the leaves have fallen in winter and early spring, so they look really striking on the bare stems. The scent is described as being citrus-like which sounds interesting and I am imagining this flowering not far from my kitchen so I can look at it through the window in winter.

The peak season is from early December to the end of February. It enjoys ordinary well-drained garden soil and will happily grow in sun or light shade. After many years it can reach 3m x 3m, but I believe it is relatively slow growing and I am going to use some well-rotted manure when planting to give it a great start. A bonus with this plant is that it has attractive autumn coloured leaves. If this works, I definitely will be looking at getting another.

Nuala Brady

Co Wexford.