Witch Hazel

Discussion in 'Trees' started by shiney, Oct 15, 2011.

  1. shiney

    shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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    This is an interesting plant as it looks good at a time of year when there is not much colour.

    Last week our one dropped all its leaves within a matter of hours

    [​IMG]

    It will shortly be bursting into flower for the winter

    [​IMG]


    but, at the moment it has its fruits standing fully exposed

    [​IMG]


    These fruits are edible and contain the twin seeds and the pod will explode to scatter them.

    I guess that ziggy will be able to tell you more about the plant and its uses. Has anyone eaten the fruits?
     
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      shiney, Oct 15, 2011
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    • ClaraLou

      ClaraLou Total Gardener

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      One of my favourite shrubs, Shiney. I can't grow it because it would resent my chalky soil, but I admire it in other gardens. I didn't know you could eat the fruits.
       
      ClaraLou, Oct 15, 2011
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    • Louise D

      Louise D Total Gardener

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      I didn't realise it was fussy with its soil requirements :(
      I've always fancied one and i now have a space for one too ... will have to read up on it i think.
       
      Louise D, Oct 15, 2011
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    • shiney

      shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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      Clare, although it's not too happy with chalky soil it will grow OK if you prepare the ground properly. Dig a large hole and fill it with rich, non-chalky, soil and mound it up slightly.

      General purpose potting compost mixed with well rotted home compost and some of your soil should be OK. It just doesn't like to be on shallow chalky soil so a little help from it's gardening friend should keep it happy. Add more compost each year. :dbgrtmb:
       
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        shiney, Oct 15, 2011
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      • Sheal

        Sheal Total Gardener

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        Old fashioned liquid witch-hazel is still good as a skin cleanser, particularly if you have greasy skin on your face. :)
         
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          Sheal, Oct 15, 2011
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        • Bilbo675

          Bilbo675 Total Gardener

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          Grew one a few years ago and it thrived in the moist slightly acidic soil I plantedit in BUT being a yellow flowered variety the sparrows were in a nightmare, constantly stripping it every year....:wallbang: :scratch:
           
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            Bilbo675, Oct 15, 2011
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          • Phil A

            Phil A Guest

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            I would have liked to but mine died of death over the last winter. Makes a good salve to rub on your aching limbs as far as I remember.

            Also featured in "The Children of Green Knowe" one of my favorite kids stories.
             
            Phil A, Oct 15, 2011
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