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Witch hazel along the Gulf Coast

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Posted by jcalhoun 8b Mobile County AL (My Page) on
Thu, May 26, 11 at 17:14

I have been wanting to get a witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) but not sure how well they will grow here. I know this is theoretically their native range. Flowering dogwood is also native to here but they are always pitful looking in this area.

So, my question is will the witch hazel grow well here and be healthy or will it lack vigor like the dogwoods?

My yard is gumbo clay soil, pH 5.4, and the location will be on the southwestern side of the yard with no shade.

I want to fill an area near a power line, so 18 to 20 feet high and 10 to 20 feet wide would be ideal.

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RE: Witch hazel along the Gulf Coast

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In my area they are a common native, but grow best in half day shade. Knowing how hot the Mobile area can get in the summer along with how intense the sun is in midsummer, I would hesitate to put them in the sun. The pH sounds similar to mine, but my soil is well-drained. Since there isn't any clay in my area, I don't know how clay tolerant they are.

If I were in your area, I would plant crepe myrtle, which is a lovely small tree when not chopped back and ends up about the same size I think. (but that might just be zonal envy on my part.)

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RE: Witch hazel along the Gulf Coast

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  • Posted by jcalhoun 8b Mobile County AL (My Page) on
    Wed, Jun 1, 11 at 19:15

No offense but I hate crepe myrtles.

I think you are right about the sun/shade part.

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