Witch hazels or Hamamelis are excellent shrubs for winter cheer into the dreary days of winter. Their attractive spidery flowers borne on care stems have a pleasant spicy fragrance. They are undemanding and will do well in well-drained soil, provided it is not alkaline. They are particularly suited to light shade and can provide outstanding winter interest if underplanted with winter flowering bulbs such as early crocus, snowdrops, or winter aconites. However, relatively slow-growing witch hazels become large, wide-spreading shrubs or small trees.
