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Vermont Garden Journal: Witch Hazel

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Witch hazel, also called Hamamelis, was originally named by botanist Carl Linnaeus. It's an easy shrub to grow and it's spider-like flowers bloom either in the late fall or early spring.

Witch hazel is a shrub that doesn't need much attention. It grows in full sun or part shade, does best in well-drained soil and has few pests (although deer seem to like eating it occasionally). Consider adding some witch hazel to your landscape with hollies, viburnums and dogwoods to add some color in winter.

Witch hazel is unusual because it produces yellow, orange, or red spider-like flowers in late fall as other leaves are turning color or early spring before leaves come out.

Varieties such as "Sandra" and "Autumn Embers" bloom in the late winter and early spring, have a strong fragrance and are tolerant of clay soils. There are also some Chinese and Japanese hybrids that are hardy in warmer areas.

This week's garden tip: Start growing leek seeds indoors so they'll be ready for the garden in the spring. Leeks need 8 to 10 weeks of indoor growing before transplanting. Starting them early allows the plants to develop strong roots making them easier to transplant. 

Charlie Nardozzi is a nationally recognized garden writer, radio and TV show host, consultant, and speaker. Charlie is the host of All Things Gardening on Sunday mornings at 9:35 during Weekend Edition on Vermont Public. Charlie is a guest on Vermont Public's Vermont Edition during the growing season. He also offers garden tips on local television and is a frequent guest on national programs.
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