Witch hazels are magical plants left over from the time of fairies, elves, gnomes, and sprites. Perhaps, they represent the spirit of the Ice Queen, Jack Frost's beautiful nymph bride. Throughout the year she patiently waits for Jack to arrive. In Spring and Summer, she looks nice, but unremarkable. In Autumn her transformation begins.
She announces the arrival of her lover by shooting her seeds throughout the surrounding area. Next, her
plain covering of green leaves becomes a brilliant, shimmering yellow gown. As Frost approaches, she disrobes to
bare branches and unfurls her flowers to receive Jack's penetrating touch. They dance and revel until
Old Man Winter's harsh temperatures and howling winds end the fun.
Mysticism and sensuality aside, witch hazels are truly remarkable plants. In Autumn they have attractive fall foliage followed by a profusion of scented, yellow, confetti-like flowers. Their distinctive fragrance is crisp and pleasant. And all this occurs at seemingly impossible temperatures when other trees and shrubs have begun hibernating for the year. Even the evergreens are silent and unmoving as they wait for the longer days and warmer temperatures. Witch hazel is the brave exception. This fine shrub is the last blooming plant of the year (except for all you warm people in sub-tropical and tropical zones).
Recently, Chicago has seen temperatures drop deep into the teens twice. Our weather had been mild, so most of the remaining plants were severely shocked. Even tough Raydon's Favorite aster was damaged, and the many unopened buds ruined. Remarkably, the witch hazels simply folded their flowers and waited for the extreme weather to pass. They are currently in full bloom and will last into December.
For the gardener their bright yellow blossoms bring color to the dull late Autumn landscape and perfume the crisp air. They are welcome companions as you clean vegetable beds, rake leaves, and mulch perennials in the cold. Their fragrance is as fantastic as their color, and a few flowering branches in vase will give a fresh sweet scent to an entire room.
This is my favorite shrub and perhaps my favorite plant. Late Autumn walks are a time to study tree structure and rustle fallen leaves underfoot. Life is all around, but it is resting and hiding. Spotting a witch hazel, blazing in the dappled sunlight, raises your spirit. To see such dainty blossoms in such harsh conditions proves that life on Earth is indomitable, pervasive, and a little magical.
