A mature Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) growing in a residential garden bed

In the landscape

Border · Flowering tree · Hedge · Small tree · Specimen · Riparian · Woodland · Childrens

Data sources

Missouri Botanical Garden, NC State Extension

Witch Hazel

Hamamelis virginiana · Shrub

Witch Hazel is a moderate-growing shrub, hardy in USDA zones 3-8, that matures to about 15–20 ft × 15–20 ft. It does best in full sun and part shade with medium water needs in well-drained and moist soil. Expect cream, yellow and red blooms in fall and winter. It attracts moths, pollinators and small mammals, stands up well to deer and erosion and fire.

USDA zones: 3-8
Sun: Full sun, Part shade
Water: Medium
Mature size: 15–20 ft × 15–20 ft
Growth rate: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Soil: Well-drained, Moist
Bloom color: Cream, Yellow, Red, White
Bloom season: Fall, Winter
Attracts: Moths, Pollinators, Small mammals, Songbirds
Tough against: Deer, Erosion, Fire
Native to: Eastern North America

Will it survive your winters?

We score Witch Hazel’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.

More plants for your zone: Zone 3 · Zone 4 · Zone 5 · Zone 6 · Zone 7 · Zone 8