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.