It's not a cactus, but it's Spring--almost
Posted: Sat Mar 20, 2010 4:26 pm
When we had the yard landscaped (NY) we planted this Witch Hazel tree on the south side. It has done amazingly well. Coincidentally, the local paper featured a story on Witch Hazel (botanically, Hamamelis). It survives in full sun as well as a lot of shade. Two things about it I love: 1) the very early yellow flowers that resemble forsythia at a distance, and 2) the incredible clean, fresh, heady aroma. I've never smelled anything as refreshing; I now prefer it over honeysuckle. It starts blooming in February and the blossoms last for weeks. The leaves, which appear later, give nice mottled shade--not too dense. 
If you aren't familiar with Witch Hazel, need something in your landscape and want some striking color when there's nothing else flowering except snowdrops & crocuses (croci?), give the Hamamelis a try!
If you aren't familiar with Witch Hazel, need something in your landscape and want some striking color when there's nothing else flowering except snowdrops & crocuses (croci?), give the Hamamelis a try!