Hamamelis x intermedia 'Pallida'
Acid Loving Plants / City Garden / Shrubs / Winter Interest

My Favorite Winter Plant for 2014

My overall favorite winter plant this year has to be any of the beautiful weird looking Hamamelis or commonly and aptly known as Witch Hazel. Its petals are usually vibrant from burnt oranges  and deep reds to bright yellows. In the February Issue of the RHS Garden Magazine the Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Aphrodite’ has been recently awarded the AGM otherwise known as the RHS Award of Garden Merit. This tough shrub puts up with a lot through winter whilst keeping its color on it delicate petals. I first saw these plants at RHS Harlow Carr and was fascinated by these eccentric plants. Recently though they brightened up my day at the new Library in Birmingham. Right on one of its roof top gardens. The only piece of color on the somewhat baron garden.

Hamamelis ideally thrive in moist, but well drained soil, so no really boggy ground, if their bottoms are always in the wet they will not like it. Ideally situated in full sun or if not possible partial shade. They thrive best in acidic to neutral ph soil. If you don’t know what type of soil you have and you don’t want to have to buy a test look at what plants thrive in the area where you are wanting to plant your Hamamelis. Do you have Rhododendrons, Hydrangea macrophhylla ‘Blue Wave’ or any other blue Hydrangea, any plants from the Erica or in English the heather family to name a few popular ones. Avoid chalky soils as it will not like it.

I wonder what my favorite winter plant will be for next year.

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20th February 2014