Witch hazel is a small ornamental shrub that blooms in winter. It has a spreading shape. It comes from the eastern areas of North America, specifically its eastern part.
It is jokingly called “Indian Gold” (not only due to history, but also due to the health properties and the color of the plant itself, which is intensely yellow, which may bring to mind associations with a precious metal).
Witch hazel smells wonderful and delights with its beauty when other species hibernate. It’s worth having it in your garden to liven it up a bit in the off-season. After flowering, it produces fruits (woody capsules with seeds).
It looks best near gazebos, terraces or entrances to the house. And it is not particularly demanding in terms of care. Just remember a few rules and it won’t go to waste.
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Witch hazel is a plant with moderate requirements. However, you must take proper care of it if you want it to maintain its perfect appearance for a long time. It should be planted in autumn in a fertile, permeable and light substrate, and after placing in the ground, watered abundantly.
It would be good if the soil for growing witch hazel was also slightly acidic and moist. The site must be protected from the wind. Preferably sunny, but partial shade will also work. Once witch hazel has finished blooming, be sure to prune it. Remove all damaged, broken and frozen shoots.
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The bush is beautiful, but it is worth knowing that it has much more to offer than beauty. Valuable properties of witch hazel leaves (anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial, astringent, soothing and cleansing) have been appreciated for centuries.
They are still used in herbal medicine and cosmetics today. Witch hazel contains, among others: tannins, flavonoids, saponins, gallic acid and choline. Helps with skin inflammation. It reduces swelling, relieves pain and accelerates wound healing.
It may also help reduce swelling and joint pain. Soothes mosquito bites. However, it helps not only people. Witch hazel can also help horses, among others: with weakened hooves.
