Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

[gringo]

I tried growing this last year but the seeds didn't germinate, intend to try again this year. Has anyone tried growing it in the UK?

As an atopic individual, I swear by it for various sore skin or allergic conditions. Seen a plant in Westonbirt arboretum years ago and it had beautiful flowers.

[roitelet]

After a quick google it seems as if seed can take up to two years to germinate and needs a complicated stratification process,and then a further six years to reach flowering size. You would be better to either buy a plant, try from cuttings or layers.

Best of luck

[gringo]

After a quick google it seems as if seed can take up to two years to germinate and needs a complicated stratification process,and then a further six years to reach flowering size. You would be better to either buy a plant, try from cuttings or layers.

Best of luck

Thanks Roitelet. I see your point, but I dont really consider a plant to be 'mine', unless I grow it from seed! Maybe I'll just stick to buying the gel :-)

[veggiechicken]

This may help Hamamelis virginiana Witch Hazel, American witchhazel, Common Witchhazel, Virginian Witchhazel, Witchhazel PFAF Plant Database
Apparently it grows best from fresh seed, sown when green. Even then it may take 18 months!
A long tern project