Hamamelis - Witch Hazel

This is one of my favourite winter shrubs in my garden. I have two, one has bright lemon coloured flowers, the other pinky bronze. They were bought as very small plants nearly 20 years ago and are very slow growing so you have to be very patient. They are now 5ft tall and this year has been the best for flowers.They are lovely in Autumn too as the leaves turn bright yellow and orange. I saw one specimen in a garden centre last week at about 2ft tall and the asking price was nearly £40!

Apparently the twigs of witch hazel make excellent divining rods and tincture of plants bark is good for aching muscles and joints.