Overview
Hamamelis vernalis Sarg. var. tomentella (Rehd.) Palmer is a deciduous shrub in the witch hazel family, Hamamelidaceae. It is also commonly known as Ozark witch hazel and is native to the United States, particularly in the Ozark region of Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. It is known for its early bloom time and fragrant, yellow-red flowers.
Description
Hamamelis vernalis Sarg. var. tomentella typically grows between 6 to 10 feet tall and wide. Its oval-shaped leaves are a dark green color and can grow up to 4 inches long. The flowers appear in late winter or early spring before the leaves emerge, and are typically a yellow-red color and lightly fragrant. The plant's bark is gray and smooth with a mottled appearance and irregular furrows.
Uses
Hamamelis vernalis Sarg. var. tomentella is often used in landscaping and as an ornamental plant. Its early blooming time makes it an ideal addition to gardens, providing color and fragrance during the otherwise dreary winter months. Additionally, the plant has some medicinal properties and is used to make a witch hazel extract that is commonly used as a natural astringent and anti-inflammatory for various skin ailments such as acne, cuts, and bruises.
Growth Conditions of Hamamelis vernalis Sarg. var. tomentella (Rehd.) Palmer
Light: This plant prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight, especially during hot summer afternoons. Full sun can be tolerated but it may lead to leaf scorching and stress.
Temperature: Hamamelis vernalis Sarg. var. tomentella (Rehd.) Palmer is cold hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C). It prefers cool to mild temperatures and grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. In warmer regions, it requires protection from hot, dry winds and full sun exposure.
Soil: Well-drained, acidic soils are preferred by Hamamelis vernalis Sarg. var. tomentella (Rehd.) Palmer. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy or clay soils. However, the plant may struggle in poorly-drained or waterlogged soils. Soil amendments like peat moss, compost or leaf debris can improve soil structure and fertility.
Moisture: This plant has moderate water requirements, especially during the growing season. It prefers moist soils but not waterlogged conditions. It can withstand short periods of drought but prolonged dryness can lead to wilting and leaf drop. Mulching the soil around the plant can help retain moisture and reduce weed competition.
Nutrients: Hamamelis vernalis Sarg. var. tomentella (Rehd.) Palmer does not have specific nutrient requirements. However, regular fertilization can improve growth and flowering. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring or fall. Alternatively, organic fertilizers like compost tea or fish emulsion can be used.
Cultivation Methods
The Hamamelis vernalis Sarg. var. tomentella (Rehd.) Palmer, commonly known as Ozark Witch Hazel, is a deciduous shrub native to the central and southeastern parts of the United States. These shrubs are best cultivated in loamy or sandy soils that are well-draining and moderately fertile. To plant, dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball and deep enough to accommodate the plant's roots. Backfill the hole with the excavated soil and water the plant thoroughly.
Watering Needs
The Hamamelis vernalis Sarg. var. tomentella does not require regular watering once established, as it is drought-tolerant. However, it is essential to keep the soil moist during the first few weeks after planting. To prevent overwatering, check the soil moisture level regularly and water only when the soil is dry.
Fertilization
These plants do not require frequent fertilization and excessive use of fertilizers can damage the plant roots. It is recommended to fertilize the plants lightly with a balanced fertilizer in the early Spring before the growing season begins.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of the plant. The best time for pruning is right after flowering, which is usually in late winter or early spring. To prune, remove any dead or diseased branches and cut back any overgrown branches to the desired size. Do not severely prune the plant, as this can result in few flowers the following year.
Propagation of Hamamelis vernalis Sarg. var. tomentella (Rehd.) Palmer
Hamamelis vernalis Sarg. var. tomentella (Rehd.) Palmer, commonly known as Ozark witch hazel, can be propagated through various methods. The propagation of this plant can be done through seeds, cuttings, layering, and grafting.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation through seeds is the easiest and most common method to propagate Ozark witch hazel. The seeds are collected from the parent plant in the fall and left to dry for a week or two. After drying, the seeds are sown in a prepared bed or container with well-draining soil. Seeds should be planted about 1 inch deep and spaced out to accommodate their growth. After sowing, the bed or container is kept moist using a mist spray over the seeds, preferably with a fine mist sprayer. Seedlings emerge in the spring.
Propagation through Cuttings
Cuttings from the parent plant can be taken in the summer or early winter. Take stem cuttings approximately 4 to 6 inches long from the current year’s growth. Make cuts at a 45-degree angle and remove any leaves on the lower third of the cutting. Dip the cut ends of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil. The pot is then kept in a warm area with indirect light. After 2-4 weeks, the cuttings will begin to root and can be transplanted to bigger containers or planted out in well-draining soil.
Propagation through Layering
Propagation through layering is relatively easy and involves burying a section of the parent plant’s extended branch, while it is still attached to the plant, into the ground. The section of the branch that is buried will start to grow roots and when it has an established root ball, it can be cut off from the parent plant and planted in a new location. Layering is best done in the early spring season.
Propagation through Grafting
Grafting involves attaching a section of the parent plant to a rootstock of a different plant. This method is used to propagate Hamamelis vernalis Sarg. var. tomentella with a particular characteristic that is not available in seed-grown specimens. The scion, which is taken from the parent plant, is grafted onto the rootstock of another Hamamelis species. This technique requires particular training and should be carried out in early winter, a process commonly known as whip-grafting.
Disease and Pest Management for Hamamelis vernalis Sarg. var. tomentella (Rehd.) Palmer
Hamamelis vernalis Sarg. var. tomentella is a shrub that is generally low maintenance and not very prone to diseases. However, certain conditions and pests may cause issues.
Common Diseases
One potential disease that may affect Hamamelis vernalis Sarg. var. tomentella is powdery mildew. This fungal disease typically shows up as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, prune out any affected foliage and ensure that the plant is getting proper airflow and sunlight. Applying a fungicide may also be necessary to prevent the disease from spreading further.
Bacterial leaf spot is another disease that may affect Hamamelis vernalis Sarg. var. tomentella. This disease causes black, water-soaked spots to appear on the leaves. Remove any infected foliage and dispose of it immediately to reduce the risk of the disease spreading. Avoid overhead watering, which can lead to wet foliage and promote the growth of the bacteria. A copper-based fungicide may also be helpful in managing the disease.
Common Pests
There are few pests that are known to cause issues for Hamamelis vernalis Sarg. var. tomentella, but some may occasionally be a problem.
Aphids are a common pest that may feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to wilt and curl. To manage an infestation, spray the plant with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap. Additionally, introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to the area can help control the aphid population.
Mites may also occasionally be an issue for Hamamelis vernalis Sarg. var. tomentella. These tiny pests may cause yellowing of the leaves and fine webs may be visible. To manage mites, apply a miticide and prune out any heavily infested foliage. Ensure that the plant is properly watered and fertilized, as dry and stressed plants are more susceptible to mite infestations.
Overall, proper care and maintenance of Hamamelis vernalis Sarg. var. tomentella can help prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests. Regular monitoring of the plant and quick response to any issues can also help keep it healthy and thriving.
