Product Description

Once discovered, witch hazels capture the hearts of gardeners who rank them among the best of all winter-flowering shrubs. Shrugging off several degrees of frost and a heavy weight of snow, their distinctive flowers held on bare branches cannot fail to light up a garden in the depths of winter. Yet, despite their attributes, only a small number are widely grown outside the gardens of enthusiasts. This book promises to change all that by turning the spotlight onto these magical shrubs highlighting their diversity and providing practical, comparative information that will thrill enthusiast and newcomer alike.

The book starts with an introduction to the genus followed by detailed descriptions of the four species and their hybrids. These will be of immense value to gardeners as they weigh up distinguishing features and work out which will perform best for them. The book further aids identification by noting how local conditions, soil and weather extremes can significantly affect plant characteristics including rate of growth, size of plant, leaf retention and flower colour. Cultural requirements and hardiness tolerance are clearly outlined further ensuring success in the garden.

This is the first attempt to authenticate and describe all known selections, varieties and species in one text. Chris Lane has collected and grown witch hazels over a long period of time observing and noting their characteristics. His personal research along with that of enthusiasts from all over the world has been brought together in this long-awaited authority that will enthrall gardeners and collectors for years to come.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #642598 in Books
• Published on: 2005-01-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 264 pages

From Booklist
Witch hazels are one of the hardiest of winter-flowering shrubs. Lane begins with an introduction to the genus and then gives detailed descriptions of the four species and their hybrids. In each entry--and there are hundreds--Lane describes growth habit, foliage, and flowers, There are chapters discussing the development of hybrids, their propagation and cultivation, and companion plants. The book--with 144 delightful color illustrations, 2 line drawings, and 5 maps--will stimulate gardeners' interest in growing these colorful shrubs. George Cohen
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
"Constitutes the most up-to-date monograph on this valuable but often overlooked ornamental plant."
—Peter Kendall, American Rhododendron Society Journal, February 2006 (American Rhododendron Society Journal )

"Has many details and photographs of numerous named varieties."
—Michael Martin Mills, Philadelphia Inquirer, March 11, 2005 (Philadelphia Inquirer )

Constitutes the most up-to-date monograph on this valuable but often overlooked ornamental plant. Peter Kendall, American Rhododendron Society Journal, February 2006 (American Rhododendron Society Journal )

Has many details and photographs of numerous named varieties. Michael Martin Mills, Philadelphia Inquirer, March 11, 2005 (Philadelphia Inquirer )

Has many details and photographs of numerous named varieties. -- Michael Martin Mills Philadelphia Inquirer 20050311 It's a fascinating book with a wealth of detail and should be read by anyone with an interest in the genus. -- Martyn Rix International Dendrology Society Yearbook 20040101 Constitutes the most up-to-date monograph on this valuable but often overlooked ornamental plant. -- Peter Kendall American Rhododendron Society Journal 20060201 The author's advice on plant culture and suitable companion plantings shows his lengthy experience and close association with his favorite plant. -- Marilyn K. Alaimo Chicago Botanic Garden 20060101 Mr. Lane ... has compiled all the known species and varieties into what is now considered the witch hazel bible, complete with color photographs. -- Anne Raver New York Times 20080214 The latest and most extensive reference. ... If anyone can coerce a gardener to think outside the season, it's Lane. The book's gorgeous photographs offer a close-up of flowers that often are passed by or go unnoticed. -- Jean Starr Munster (IN) Times 20081023

Review
“The latest and most extensive reference. . . If anyone can coerce a gardener to think outside the season, it’s Lane. The book’s gorgeous photographs offer a close-up of flowers that often are passed by or go unnoticed.” (Jean Starr Northwest Indiana Times )

Customer Reviews

Comprehensive Guide for Collectors, less helpful for non-professionals
Three stars seems too harsh, four seems a bit too generous...
This book is great as an encyclopedic listing of the numerous cultivars of witch hazel. He addresses the history of various cultivars and propagation techniques, and has a brief section on pruning (where he mentions keeping them to smaller size or training to a wall or fence for smaller gardens) which is very helpful. But unless you plan on developing a collection of several plants, this book might be better borrowed from the library (IF they have it...), because for example for my needs (one specimen to possibly 3) this book feels like a little more than I need, yet also less: he shows all the hybrids' flowers close-up, but he doesn't have many photos at all showing fall color or summer habit-- issues that are important considerations for me with a typical moderate-size suburban lot where I want to gauge placement (does summer habit preclude a prominent spot?) and get the most multi-season bang for the space it takes up. I feel a little guilty for buying this one.

Scientific tome......
WITCH HAZELS (Hamamelis) make good alternatives to Forsythia. These shrubs and small trees bloom in early spring, can be found in many colors and will stand up to relatively adverse conditions. Chris Lane has written a relatively scientific tome with sections on breeding, hybridizing and cultivation and a small section of color photos, but no associated illustrations with each Hamamelis types listed (you have to flip back and forth between the photos and the write-up). This book may not prove useful for beginners who prefer a picture of the plant and lengthy description. "Hands-on" experienced gardeners who can read will probably find almost everything they need to develop an interest in Hamamelis.

Right Book at the Right Time
This book fills a gap in the literature and it arrives at a perfect time given the contemporary popularity of plants in the genus Hamamelis. The author provides an exhaustive review of witchhazels, including history, cultivars, important personalities and cultural/propagation information. His insights are derived from years of experience and reflect his true passion for these plants. Eminently readable, this book will be an asset to horticulturists of any experience level. The clear pictures and cultivar histories help sort out the nomenclature confusion that often plagues this group. No doubt this book will serve as the standard for years to come.