Hardy, deciduous, Eastern North American shrub Description: Small, fragrant, yellow flowers appear after the leaves have dropped in late autumn; flowers are composed of four strap-shaped petals; foliage turns yellow in fall Habit: Erect shrub grows 12'-15' high and 12' wide Culture: Prefers full sun to part shade and moist, but well-drained, moderately rich soil that is acidic to neutral Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 3 Origin: North America Attributes: Deer resistant, fall color This large, fragrant flowering native shrub is the traditional source of the scent for Witch Hazel liniment. Potted plants were sent to England by John Clayton of Virginia, in 1743, and arrived "at Christmas and were then in full bloom." The recipient, naturalist Mark Catesby, must have been impressed at a time when the majority of plants sent on long sea voyages perished. Catesby illustrated Witch Hazel in his major work, The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahaman Islands, published in sections beginning in 1729. This shrub is not attractive to deer. This plant will ship bare root. 2' tall.Bare root planting tips: If you can't plant immediately, store your plant in a cool location and keep the roots moist or pot in a container with a nursery potting mix from your local garden center. Before planting, let the roots soak for several hours as you prepare the site. You'll want to dig a large enough hole so the root mass can spread out and the plant is at the same soil level as when it was growing in the nursery. Once planted, water it in well and wait a month before fertilizing. Mulching will help to maintain moisture and raise soil temperatures for faster growth.
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