Witch-hazel - Common

$18.95

It flowers in late October to early December. Early growth is slow, and in fact remains slow throughout the life of the tree in its typical shady habitat. Witch-hazel seeds germinate the following spring or enter the seed bank. Many times its slender yellow petals are the only signs of color in the dormant woods. As individuals, witch-hazel probably does not live more than 100 years, but they reproduce from root sprouts, and clones may live for a very long time. Seeds are dispersed by gravity, or are eaten and excreted by birds. The Common Witch-Hazel, Hamamelis virginiana, is extraordinary in its flowering habits. After pollination, the fruits become dormant for the winter, developing over the following growing season and maturing in the fall, 10-12 months after pollination. Witch-hazel is pollinated by the winter moth. ... more information

Sweetshrub The Sweetshrub, Calycanthus floridus, or Carolina allspice is a dense, rounded deciduous shrub with a suckering habit which grows 6-9' tall with an equal or slightly greater spread. It features very fragrant, brown to reddish-brown flowers (2" across) which bloom at the ends of short branchlets in May. Flowers give way to brownish, urn-shaped fruits (seed capsules) which mature in fall and persist throughout the winter. Lustrous, dark green (pale beneath), ovate to elliptic leaves to 6" long turn golden yellow in fall. Also commonly called sweetshrub and strawberry bush because of the reference to the fragrant blooms which have been described as combining hints of pineapple, strawberry and banana. Another common name is hairy allspice which is in reference to the hairy twigs and leaf undersides of this plant. It is easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It grows somewhat taller in shade than in sun, and it is tolerant of a wide range of soils, but prefers rich loam. Prune immediately after flowering to shape or maintain compactness. Remove root suckers promptly if naturalization is not desired. Use as a specimen near front door, patio or other living areas where the fragrant flower aroma may be enjoyed. It is utilized for shrub borders, foundations, and native plant areas.