The witch hazel, botanically known as Hamamelis, enchants with its unique winter blooms. The shrub-like plant bears eye-catching, ribbon-shaped flowers in warm shades of yellow to red, which unfold their splendour even in the coldest months. This natural spectacle adds a touch of magic to gardens when other plants are dormant.
The fascinating name "witch hazel" is derived from the Old High German words "wahsala" (birch) and "mellis" (honey). This refers to the nectar-rich flowers, which are often visited by bees and other insects, even at low temperatures. The naming also reflects the use of witch hazel in traditional medicine, where its extracts are valued for their healing properties. The witch hazel thus embodies a remarkable symbiosis of strength and grace, transforming the winter garden into an enchanted realm.
Hello and welcome! Here are the best photos I've ever taken: Hilke - a true Hamburg girl with a lot of France in her heart. I trained as an editor and, after two decades with various publishing houses, I've been working as a freelance journalist for print, .. Read more…