Witch Hazel Won't Bloom - Ask Extension
I'm in zone 8b. Three years ago, I planted a Witch Hazel plant in my south-facing front yard. The plant is healthy, has green leaves in spring and su...
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Witch Hazel Won't Bloom #869944
Asked May 24, 2024, 1:33 PM EDT
I'm in zone 8b. Three years ago, I planted a Witch Hazel plant in my south-facing front yard. The plant is healthy, has green leaves in spring and summer, sheds its leaves in fall, and has catkin buds in winter. Only in year one did the plant display the red-orange catkins. Why doesn't the Witch Hazel display the colorful catkins EVERY year?
Thank you.
Puzzled in the Willamette valley
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Linda,
Thank you for contacting us about your witch hazel. There are a few reasons that your shrub won't bloom. The most common is pruning. Witch hazels don’t need regular pruning other than to
dead, damaged, crossing, or weak shoots. Any other pruning should be done just after the flowering period (usually January to March, depending on the weather). Pruning later than this may remove the flower buds for the following year.
Very young plants may need a few years to develop before they start blooming.
The weather may also affect bloom. They prefer acidic soil and full-to-part sun, especially in the morning. They do not do well in heavy, wet, or compacted soils, or when subjected to drought. Bugs and disease can also stress the plant.
I hope this information is helpful. Please write again anytime you have gardening questions.
Thank you for contacting us about your witch hazel. There are a few reasons that your shrub won't bloom. The most common is pruning. Witch hazels don’t need regular pruning other than to
dead, damaged, crossing, or weak shoots. Any other pruning should be done just after the flowering period (usually January to March, depending on the weather). Pruning later than this may remove the flower buds for the following year.
Very young plants may need a few years to develop before they start blooming.
The weather may also affect bloom. They prefer acidic soil and full-to-part sun, especially in the morning. They do not do well in heavy, wet, or compacted soils, or when subjected to drought. Bugs and disease can also stress the plant.
I hope this information is helpful. Please write again anytime you have gardening questions.
Thank you Lynne.
I've never pruned the Witch Hazel plant; it is about 3 feet tall. Perhaps I just need to wait a couple more years for the blooms.
Thank you,
Linda
On 05/28/2024 9:47 AM PDT Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
