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| Hamamelis 'Sunburst' |
I had a delightful surprise yesterday afternoon; my witch hazel started blooming. While this plant has bloomed in February occasionally, it has never bloomed this early. Last year it had a pathetic performance of one bloom on March 31. I'm really looking forward to a good show this year. (I hope that doesn't jinx it.) The
last time it bloomed well was in 2010.
It's just amazing how quickly the strap-like petals unfurl like streamers of silk. The photo below was taken an hour earlier than the above photo.
The difference is most marked in the two outside bud clusters.
'Sunburst' is a lovely shrub. The only drawback is that it doesn't have a scent that I can detect, and I have a very good nose. It's a treat to find such vibrant color on display in the midst of the winter garden.
11 comments:
I do love the witch hazels and appreciate their blooming when hardly anything else is happening in my garden. I have species H vernalis and they have a smaller bloom but a delicious scent. gail
Temperatures reached 50 degrees yesterday and the snow is melting, melting, but no witch hazel buds yet.
It's a beauty, MMD! As for the scent, I only notice it on Diane and Arnold on very warm sunny days after the blooms have been open a while. At first I didn't smell anything. Timing has to be right.
Frances
I am starting to wonder if I can't grow some of the spring blooming witch hazels here. Only the fall blooming one is native, but your climate is similar to mine, and it's blooming for you.
Mine bloomed orangey-red again this year. I never know from year to year what color it will be. (Yes! They are known to do that!) It started blooming about three weeks ago, which is WAY WAY earlier than normal. Mine IS fragrant and it's amazing how strong the fragrance is for such a small bloom. I like this bright yellow one.
I am also a big fun of witch hazels blooms. They are truly beautiful.
Love your blog!
Gail "introduced me" to the witch hazel when she planted one in memory of her mother. I've been intrigued with them ever since.
I DO hope this blooms well for you. I remember how disappointing last Spring was for you.
I'd love to try one, myself!!
How exciting to see these blooms in February! I don't have any witch hazel--and wish I did--but it's been so warm here lately that I wouldn't be surprised to see some spring bulbs popping up soon.
Its like we are having the winter that really isn't a winter. I picked parsley for soup today, and I saw a periwinkle flower already.
Very Beautiful-robbie:-)
Witch Hazel is on my wish list... they're so beautiful especially when very little else is around!
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