Can I still plant tulips in November in the UK?

Yes, November is one of the best times to plant tulip bulbs in the UK. The cooler soil helps prevent fungal diseases such as tulip fire. Plant bulbs at a depth about three times their height in well-drained soil for beautiful spring blooms.

What vegetables can I grow in November in the UK?

You can sow broad beans, garlic, onions, and winter salads under cover or in mild regions. Spring cabbage and hardy spinach are also good choices for early crops next year.

Should I mulch my garden in November?

Yes. Adding compost, bark chips, or leaf mould helps insulate roots, retain moisture, and improve soil quality. Focus on perennials, shrubs, and newly planted trees.

How do I protect my garden from frost?

Use horticultural fleece, cloches, or straw to cover tender plants. Move potted plants into sheltered areas and reduce watering, as damp soil retains heat better than dry soil.

How can I help wildlife in my garden during winter?

Keep bird feeders topped up, provide fresh water, and leave leaf piles or plant debris for hedgehogs and insects. Avoid cutting back all dead stems — they offer shelter for beneficial wildlife.

What garden maintenance should I prioritise in November?

Tidy beds, rake leaves, clean tools, and plant bulbs. It’s also the ideal time to enrich soil with compost and plan next year’s garden layout.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis): How to Grow, Use, and Choose the Best Varieties for Your Garden

Green Spaces
Mar 8, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Dec 2, 2025

Witch hazel is a versatile, beautiful shrub that brings colour, fragrance, and early-season interest to any landscape. Known for its distinctive, spidery flowers and powerful traditional medicinal properties, witch hazel is both a visually stunning and functional plant. Among its species, Hamamelis virginiana — native to North America — is especially prized for its herbal uses and adaptability.

This guide explores how to grow witch hazel, the best varieties to plant, and tips for incorporating this unique shrub into your garden design.

Why Grow Witch Hazel?

Witch hazel is an easy-to-grow shrub that lights up winter and early spring with its spicy, fragrant, ribbon-like flowers. It thrives in sunny or partially shaded areas and grows into a large shrub or small tree over time.

Key Features

Beautiful flowers in yellow, orange, and red
Provides colour and fragrance during the winter months
Attracts butterflies and early pollinators
Works well as a specimen plant or in mixed borders
Pairs beautifully with early bulbs such as snowdrops, winter aconites, and crocuses

Witch hazel is also a fantastic addition to wildlife gardens. The early blooms supply nectar when few other plants are flowering, supporting biodiversity and helping pollinators survive late winter.

Close-up of witch hazel flowers with yellow, spidery petals and red centers against a blurred natural background. — Close-up of witch hazel flowers with yellow, spidery petals and red centres

The Most Beautiful Witch Hazel Varieties

Whether you prefer warm copper tones or vibrant reds, witch hazel offers a colour palette for every garden.

1. Hamamelis virginiana

Native to North America
Yellow blooms in late autumn to winter
Exceptionally adaptable to different soil types
Traditionally used for medicinal teas and ointments

2. Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena’

Striking copper-orange flowers
Fragrant blooms that tolerate cold well
A favourite for winter garden displays

3. Hamamelis mollis

Bright yellow, sweetly scented flowers
Flowers during winter
Highly sought after for ornamental use

4. Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Diane’

Deep red flowers that stand out against the snow
Great for bold winter colour
Close-up of witch hazel blossoms

Where to Plant Witch Hazel

Placement is essential to show off witch hazel’s beauty. These shrubs grow 10–20 feet tall, so choose a location with adequate space.

Best Planting Locations

As a focal point in a mixed shrub border
In woodland gardens, where partial shade and moist soil mimic natural conditions
Near patios or paths for winter viewing
In containers (for smaller varieties) to enjoy flowers up close

Pair with shade-loving companions such as ferns or hostas for a layered and textured look.

Yellow witch hazel flowers on bare branches, set against a blurred dark background, evoking a wintery, natural mood. — Yellow witch hazel flowers on bare branches, set against a blurred dark background, evoke a wintry mood.

How to Care for Witch Hazel (Maintenance Tips)

Witch hazel is generally low-maintenance, but a few care steps will help it thrive.

Watering

Keep young plants well-watered, especially during hot summers.
Mature plants tolerate brief droughts.

Pruning

Lightly prune after flowering to shape the plant and remove dead wood.

Fertilising

Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring.
Organic alternatives like compost or well-rotted manure work very well.

With proper care, witch hazel rewards you with decades of dependable winter colour and wildlife support.

Where to See Witch Hazel in the UK

If you want inspiration before planting your own, visit the National Collections of Hamamelis:

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Jermyns Lane, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 0QATel: 01794 369317 / 318

Witch Hazel Nursery

The Granary, Cranbrook Farm, Callaways Lane, Newington, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 7LU

A Magical Addition to Any Landscape

Incorporating witch hazel into your garden can transform ordinary spaces into enchanting winter landscapes. Its vibrant colours, unique flowers, and ecological benefits make it a plant worth adding to any outdoor space.

Consider visiting local nurseries, choosing your favourite varieties, and planting a few this year to experience the magic of witch hazel for yourself.