Image by Tanaka Juuyoh.
It is very easy at this time of year to let things go. The garden never seems very friendly, and everything looks so depressed and bare. In fact, January is one of those months which shouldn’t exist, as it really is miserable.
But if there was one plant to tempt me into the garden this month, it would be Witch Hazel (Hamamelis mollis). The branches may be leafless, but through the worst weeks of winter they are covered in firework showers of gold and red. If you look closely at the flowers, they look terribly raggedy, with a smart red button in the middle. And you should take a closer look at this marvellous tree, for if you do, you’ll find yourself drinking in a rich, spicy scent which makes January seem almost worth keeping as a month. Just about, anyway.
Vital stats:
Location:
Well-drained soil. Struggles on alkaline (chalky) sites
Light:
Full sun or part shade
When to plant:
Autumn
What can I expect from this plant?
Height: 10ft
Spread: 10ft
Flowers: December – February
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