Witch hazel - varieties, cutting, effect, & products
Dr. Anja Loose-Roland
Updated on 02. November 2023
The witch hazel plant, in Latin Hamamelis, is becoming increasingly popular among us. No wonder, as the witch hazel shrub brings colour into our garden with its yellow to red flowers in winter. At the same time, the witch hazel is a popular and versatile medicinal and cosmetic plant.
Witch Hazel Shrub
The witch hazel grows as an upright shrub with a funnel-shaped loose crown that increases in width with age. The leaves of the witch hazel in summer are similar to those of the hazel. The colourful bizarre flowers of this hardy plant are enjoyed not only by garden lovers but also by bees and other insects. As one of the few nectar providers in winter, the witch hazel is insect-friendly. The witch hazel's flower is captivating with its yellow or red thread-like pollen.
As soon as winter temperatures rise above -10°C, flowering begins for most varieties. When it gets cooler, the plant lets the flowers hang. As soon as the temperatures rise again, the shrub flowers again.
After flowering, the leaves appear in spring. With a maximum height of four metres and a slightly branched crown, the witch hazel is a pleasant shade provider in summer. In addition to the fascinating blossom, the witch hazel enchants in autumn with leaves in strong red and yellow shades. This will bring the atmosphere of the Indian summer directly into your garden.
Why is the witch hazel called witch hazel?
In English, the witch hazel is called "Witch-Hazel". On the one hand, this term goes back to the shape of the leaf, which resembles the hazel. The word "wiche" is an old English term for flexible. Today, however, "witch" is translated as witch. That is why the witch hazel is also called "witch hazel" today.
Witch Hazel Varieties - What are they?
There are only a few varieties of witch hazel that occur naturally. These are native to temperate zones in North America and East Asia.
- Virgin witch hazel (Hamamelis virginia)
- Spring witch hazel (Hamamelis vernalis)
- Chinese witch hazel (Hamamelis mollis)
- Japanese witch hazel (Hamamelis japonica)
- Large-leaved witch hazel (Hamamelis ovalis)
The large-leaved witch hazel was only discovered as an independent species in 2006 and starts flowering as early as December. This variety delights with flowers in yellow, orange and red. The Chinese, Japanese and spring witch hazels flower from January or February.
In contrast, the Virginian witch hazel differs from its relatives in that it flowers late in the autumn. As the flowers of this species are often hidden by the leaves, this variety rarely serves as an ornamental shrub in the garden. Due to its high content of effective substances, Hamamelis virginia is preferred for medicinal purposes.
Hamamelis x intermedia - What is it?
Hamamelis × intermedia is a hybrid of the varieties Hamamelis mollis and Hamamelis japonica. These two species can be crossed very well with each other. The resulting hybrids differ especially in flower colour and scent. The spectrum also includes fragrant witch hazel plants. Many Hamamelis intermedia are popular cultivars that are often planted in the garden.
- Witch hazel 'Jelena': early flowering with long, bright red-orange flowers, intense red leaf colouring in autumn.
- Witch hazel 'Pallida': fragrant flowers with primrose aroma, blooms very early, large yellow flowers
- Witch hazel 'Ruby Glow': early-flowering variety with dark red to brown flowers, orange to deep orange-red in autumn
- Witch hazel 'Angelly': small-growing witch hazel, slightly curled, yellow flowers
Which location is suitable for witch hazel?
The witch hazel impresses with its flowers in winter and should therefore be planted as a solitary. A grouping of three witch hazel shrubs in different flower colours is also an attractive arrangement. A witch hazel hedge surrounded by other shrubs and trees does not do the plant justice and restricts its growth.
Witch hazel grows mostly in temperate zones in its native country and is therefore somewhat sensitive in Germany. Choose a sunny or off-sun location for your plant with sufficient space. Icy easterly winds in winter can be particularly damaging to the plant. Therefore, plant the witch hazel in a wind-protected location near a house wall or behind a hedge.
At the same time, the witch hazel also makes quite high demands on the soil. The soil must be moist and fresh. An evenly moist location without dryness or waterlogging is ideal. A well-drained soil and a high humus content are also important requirements.
How tall does the witch hazel shrub grow?
The witch hazel shrub grows between two and four metres high. Original forms grow quite slowly with a maximum of 20 cm per year. New cultivars are more vigorous and can grow up to 40 cm per year under suitable site conditions.
In the first three years after planting, the witch hazel must first get used to its new location. During this time the plant hardly grows at all. Therefore, transplanting the witch hazel only makes sense if it does not thrive in the chosen location.
Can I keep the witch hazel small?
As Hamamelis is not particularly pruning tolerant, it is difficult to keep it small. It is better to choose a small-growing variety such as the intermedia Hamamelis 'Harry' or a dwarf witch hazel such as Hamamelis intermedia 'Angelly'. Both plants remain well below two metres in height.
What do I need to consider when buying a witch hazel?
Before you buy a witch hazel, you should be sure about the site conditions in your garden. For a witch hazel of normal size you should calculate 16 sqm. You can get the plants in DIY stores, garden centres and from online nurseries.
A visit to a well-stocked nursery is recommended. Here you will also receive appropriate advice on the individual requirements of the respective variety. When buying, look for healthy plants. The leaves should be green and without brown spots. The upright growth must be clearly visible. Bare-root plants are usually cheaper, but also more sensitive when planting.
How should I plant the witch hazel?
The best time to plant witch hazel is autumn. The plant should be able to develop fine hair roots before the first frosts. You can also plant witch hazel in pots in the spring. Water bare-root plants about two hours beforehand by placing the plant in a bucket of water.
This is not necessary for container plants. Dig the planting hole about twice the size of the root. Mix plenty of fertiliser or compost into the excavation. Place the plant in the planting hole so high that the root ball is still visible on the surface. Fill the planting hole and mulch the area around the witch hazel.
Will a witch hazel thrive in a tub?
In general, witch hazel plants also thrive in tubs. Crosses such as Hamamelis intermedia 'Arnold Promise' are particularly suitable for this. Due to its narrower and more upright growth without a broad crown, it is optically particularly suitable as a tub plant.
In general, it should be taken into account that witch hazel grows more slowly in containers. This can often be an advantage as the plant can therefore remain in the same container for many years. If your witch hazel is growing in a container, pay attention to the moisture of the soil. Sufficient fertilisation is also necessary on a regular basis.
When and how should I prune my witch hazel?
Pruning of the witch hazel is best done after flowering in spring. Basically, it is sufficient to remove the dry branches from the plant. Slight corrections to the growth habit are possible. When pruning, you must bear the following points in mind.
- Witch hazel does not sprout well from old wood. There is a risk that the witch hazel will become bare.
- The witch hazel's cut wounds heal poorly and are thus entry points for pathogens.
How do I propagate my witch hazel?
The propagation of witch hazel is quite complex. The seeds have an inhibition to germinate and often need two to three years before the first success is achieved. Alternatively, propagation via cuttings is possible.
If you place freshly cut branches in the ground in a semi-shady location and care for them regularly, the cultivation can succeed. As the witch hazel grows very slowly, you will need a lot of patience here too. It is common in nurseries to propagate a witch hazel by grafting.
Effect of witch hazel?
Active substances for humans are only obtained from the Virginian witch hazel. The leaves and bark of the plant have a positive influence on our body, as they contain tannins and essential oil. The bark in particular contains a lot of the tannin, which is also present in wine. The use of witch hazel is very diverse.
What is the effect of witch hazel?
Thanks to the tannins it contains, witch hazel has an astringent effect, which can be meaningfully translated as "astringent". These tannins change the proteins in the skin. This causes a superficial layer on the wound and the tissue contracts. The tannins also have an antibacterial and anti-cancer effect. Another component of the witch hazel leaves is the essential oil. It contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory substances.
- Anti-inflammatory
- Stops bleeding
- Anti-itching
- Antibacterial
- Antioxidant
What witch hazel products are available?
Due to its diverse ingredients, witch hazel is processed into various products. Either the essential oil or the tannins are used as important substances.
- Witch hazel hydrolate (witch hazel water)
- Witch hazel extract
Because of the different production processes, hydrolate and extract contain different raw materials. The area of application for witch hazel depends on this.
- Witch hazel facial care
- Witch Hazel Body Hygiene
- Witch hazel wound and healing products
- Witch Hazel Tea
- Witch hazel for tooth rinses
How is witch hazel hydrolate made?
For the production of witch hazel water, the leaves and the bark of the witch hazel are distilled by means of steam. This produces a mild product without tannins and artificial additives. Witch hazel water contains the volatile components and mainly essential oils. The essential oils in witch hazel water have an antiseptic effect and can thus bring about a faster healing of inflammations.
Witch Hazel Facial Toner
In cosmetics, facial tonic with witch hazel is used for oily skin and acne. Thanks to its astringent effect, regular use of witch hazel facial tonic can shrink the pores.
In the case of acne, inflammations heal faster with witch hazel hydrolate. At the same time, it has an antibacterial effect, which prevents new inflammations. However, if you have sensitive skin, avoid facial tonics with alcohol. This can dry out and irritate the skin.
Witch Hazel Deodorant
Due to its anti-inflammatory, astringent effect, witch hazel can also be used excellently as a base for deodorant sticks witch hazel. In combination with another natural water with a caring effect such as camomile, you can also mix a deodorant spray yourself.
How is witch hazel extract made?
In a witch hazel extract, the valuable parts of the plant are stored in water or an alcoholic solution. As a result, mainly tannins and flavonoids, but also some essential oils, accumulate in the solution.
Due to the substances contained, witch hazel extract has an anti-inflammatory, astringent and tonic effect. It can therefore also be used very well for treating minor injuries. As a cooling compress, it is also effective for bruises, bruises as well as insect bites.
Witch Hazel Wound and Healing Ointment
Witch hazel ointment is mostly used as a wound and healing product for small injuries and inflammations of the skin. An important ingredient of these ointments is also witch hazel water. The active ingredients of witch hazel prevent inflammation of the skin and support healing.
Especially for mature skin, wound care is also recommended for minor injuries. Wound and healing ointments often have different bases ranging from healing zinc oxide to nourishing oils. For larger injuries, you should consult a doctor.
Witch Hazel Haemorrhoids Ointment
[Haemorrhoids]() are unpleasant and a burden on everyday life. Many wound and healing ointments with witch hazel can also be used as haemorrhoids ointment. Effective against haemorrhoids is the use of the tannic acid from the bark of the witch hazel. Due to its astringent properties, blood circulation is reduced and the protrusions contract. Therefore, witch hazel extract is specifically used for this application.
In addition, the extract has an anti-inflammatory effect and relieves itching and pain. Witch hazel products are only useful and effective for stage one and two haemorrhoids. If the condition is more advanced, treatment by a doctor is necessary.
Witch hazel suppositories
Witch hazel suppositories also contain the extract of the virgin witch hazel. This results in a high proportion of tannins and the corresponding effect. The addition of oils gives the suppositories their shape. In combination with lanolin, they are easy to insert. The suppositories can be combined very well with ointments based on witch hazel.
Witch hazel wipes
Anyone who suffers from haemorrhoids knows how uncomfortable going to the toilet on the go can be. After all, you want to feel comfortable even when you're on the go. That's why witch hazel wipes are the perfect companion. Soaked in witch hazel extract, they not only cleanse, but also cool and relieve discomfort.
Witch hazel globules
In homeopathy, witch hazel is used for the same symptoms as in natural medicine. Fields of application are wounds, [haemorrhoids]() and skin problems as well as gynaecology. These globules are also said to help against severe menstrual pain. Rinses are used for inflammations of the gums and oral mucosa.
Witch hazel tea
Dried witch hazel leaves can also be used as a tea. It effectively helps against diarrhoea and stomach complaints. This tea can also be used as a rinse for inflammation of the mucous membranes around the mouth.
What do I have to bear in mind when using witch hazel?
Like many products, witch hazel can cause irritation. If you have sensitive skin, you should first test facial tonic with witch hazel carefully to see if an allergic reaction occurs with witch hazel. If you use witch hazel ointment, the symptoms should disappear quickly. If there is no improvement within seven days, you should consult a doctor.
Furthermore, pay attention to the ingredients of the individual products. Some ointments contain mineral oils. These are not tolerated by some people. In this case, it is better to use ointments with zinc oxide. This substance also helps with healing. Special consideration should also be given to pregnant women, nursing mothers and babies.
Witch Hazel Products Pregnancy
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the external use of witch hazel products such as face lotion, deodorant, cream and ointment is safe. The use of products for internal application such as tea has not been sufficiently researched. Therefore, talk to your doctor before use.
Witch Hazel for Babies and Toddlers
Witch hazel water is well suited for children because it does not contain tannins. Generally, witch hazel is used on children for skin abrasions and minor bruises. Witch hazel gel is particularly popular for cooling insect bites. Recent studies have proven the good effect of witch hazel against [napkin dermatitis\]\(/napkin dermatitis/). Internal use of witch hazel in children is not recommended because there is not enough experience. The exception is the use of mouth rinses. These can be used for children as soon as they are no longer swallowed.
Witch hazel for animals
The tolerance of humans to plants must not be transferred to animals. In the case of witch hazel, there is no known intolerance when used externally. Witch hazel products are very popular as an ointment to reduce inflammation in the case of injuries. Especially in acute situations, compresses with witch hazel water or extract also help.
Internal use of witch hazel is only conditionally recommended for animals. Please note that witch hazel is poisonous for cats. For other animals, witch hazel should not be administered over a longer period of time. The reason for this is the antinutrient effect of the tannins. Antinutrive substances hinder the complete utilisation of the ingested food in the body. If the treatment is prolonged, the animals will only grow to a limited extent.
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