Hamamelis

Published: January 2008

The Hamamelis, commonly known as witch hazel are having a good year for flowers. This is because they respond well to a period of chilling which helps promote flowering. Ribbon petals are tucked in knobbly clusters of plump buds along naked branches, in a range of citrus shades. On sunny afternoons their delicate perfume is wafted round the grove and is spicy and aromatic. The flowers are extremely hardy and will survive being frozen solid. They can be seen at Marks Hall just before the Birkett Long Millennium Walk.