About this time of winter, we can all use a ‘pick me up.’ The Columbus Park of Roses witch hazel collection is just the ticket!

Many of the 28 shrubs are beginning to show off their ribbon-like blooms in an array of bright, warm tones. On a warm day, you might catch a whiff of their wonderful citrus fragrance.

The collections are located primarily north of the Formal Rose Garden’s Long Mall and in the area of the Herb Garden (view garden map in kiosks and free brochure). Individual specimens are planted throughout the gardens, and most are labeled.

A number of characteristics make the genus Hamamelis and its various species and cultivars attractive additions to the garden. They tolerate a range of growing conditions, have brilliant foliage in the fall and unique blooms in February and March. They bloom far earlier than most plants and stay in bloom longer — sometimes eight weeks or more.

The Columbus Park of Roses has four different species of Hamamelis and a couple dozen cultivars:
Hamamelis vernalis — native to south and central US
Hamamelis virginiana — native to New England and Appalachia; its bark used for medicinal purposes
Hamamelis mollis — native to China
Hamamelis x intermedia — a cross between Hamamelis mollis and H. japonica

How did witch hazel get its name? It’s a derivation from old English “wice” or “wiche,” which means pliant or bendable. Early English settlers here found that the branches of the witch hazel could be used to divine for underground water, much like the hazel bush, Corylus, used back in England.