Witch Hazels

Once discovered, witch hazels capture the hearts of gardeners who rank them among the best of all winter-flowering shrubs. Shrugging off several degrees of frost and a heavy weight of snow, their distinctive flowers held on bare branches cannot fail to light up a garden in the depths of winter. Yet, despite their attributes, only a small number are widely grown outside the gardens of enthusiasts. This book promises to change all that by turning the spotlight on these magical shrubs, highlighting their diversity and providing practical, comparative information that will thrill enthusiast and newcomer alike. The book starts with an introduction to the genus followed by detailed descriptions of the four species and their hybrids. These will be of immense value to gardeners as they consider distinguishing features and work out which will perform best for them. The book further aids identification by noting how local conditions can significantly affect plant characteristics including rate of growth, size of plant, leaf retention, and flower color. Cultural requirements and hardiness tolerance are clearly outlined, further ensuring success in the garden. This is the first attempt to authenticate and describe all known selections, varieties, and species in one text. It will be an invaluable resource for gardeners and collectors for years to come.

See other books from The Royal Horticultural Society Plant Collector Guide Series.

Media reviews of this book:

"Mr. Lane ... has compiled all the known species and varieties into what is now considered the witch hazel bible, complete with color photographs."

—Anne Raver, New York Times, February 14, 2008

"Has many details and photographs of numerous named varieties."

—Michael Martin Mills, Philadelphia Inquirer, March 11, 2005

"Constitutes the most up-to-date monograph on this valuable but often overlooked ornamental plant."

—Peter Kendall, American Rhododendron Society Journal, February 2006

"The author's advice on plant culture and suitable companion plantings shows his lengthy experience and close association with his favorite plant."

—Marilyn K. Alaimo, Chicago Botanic Garden, January 2006

"It's a fascinating book with a wealth of detail and should be read by anyone with an interest in the genus."

—Martyn Rix, International Dendrology Society Yearbook, 2004

Customer reviews of this book:

"Well written. Full of useful information."

—Charles M. from Watervliet, Michigan, May 15, 2006

An excerpt from this book:

Charles Maries, a British plant explorer who was employed by James Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, London, introduced Hamamelis mollis to cultivation in 1879. He had studied botany under the tutorship of Professor G. Henslow and then for seven years worked for his brother, R. Maries, at his nursery in Lytham, Lancashire. This background meant he was familiar with both Japanese and Chinese plants when he joined the firm of Veitch & Sons, in 1877. Because of this knowledge of Asian plants, Maries was sent to collect interesting plants on behalf of the firm. He left England in February 1877 for Shanghai, and from there he explored the mountains near Ning po, where Robert Fortune collected ...

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