Witchhazel, Vernal, Bare Root

Vernal Witchhazel (Hamamelis vernalis)

Vernal Witchhazel is a unique, early-blooming native shrub that brightens late winter and early spring landscapes with its fragrant, ribbon-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Known for its tolerance to shade and moist soils, this deciduous shrub is perfect for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and rain gardens. Vernal Witchhazel provides important early-season nectar for pollinators and adds visual interest through multiple seasons with its stunning fall color and distinctive branching form.

Key Characteristics

• Fragrant Winter Blooms: Vernal Witchhazel produces clusters of delicate, fragrant flowers with ribbon-like petals in late winter to early spring, often blooming as early as January. The blooms are highly attractive to early pollinators, making it an excellent nectar source when few other flowers are available.

• Seasonal Fall Foliage: In autumn, Vernal Witchhazel’s leaves turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red, creating a colorful display. This seasonal color transition adds beauty to naturalized gardens and provides a striking contrast against its bare branches in winter.

• Early-Season Pollinator Support: The fragrant flowers are especially valuable to bees and other pollinators emerging in late winter. The availability of nectar at this early time helps sustain pollinators when other food sources are scarce.

• Shade Tolerant and Adaptable: Vernal Witchhazel thrives in part shade to full shade and tolerates a variety of soil types, especially moist, well-drained soils. Its adaptability makes it a great choice for woodland edges, rain gardens, and areas with dappled sunlight.

• Low Maintenance and Wildlife-Friendly: This shrub is deer-resistant and requires minimal care once established. Its thick growth habit offers cover for small wildlife, adding shelter and habitat to native gardens and naturalized settings.

Product Details

• Native Range: Central and Southeastern United States
• Plant Life Cycle: Deciduous shrub
• Sun Requirements: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soils; tolerates loamy, clay, and sandy soils
• Mature Height: 6-10 feet
• Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
• Bloom Color: Yellow, orange, and red
• Fall Color: Yellow to red
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8

Vernal Witchhazel’s fragrant, early blooms and vibrant fall color make it a valuable addition to shaded gardens, woodland edges, and native plant landscapes, bringing multi-season beauty and essential pollinator support.