Hamamelis, commonly known as Hamamelide or “witch shrub,” is a deciduous bonsai known for its spectacular flowers blooming in winter or early spring, when most plants are still in vegetative rest. It has flowers with a unique appearance, with thin and jagged petals that are dyed yellow, orange or red. This plant with a shrub bearing has leaves, alternate and oval, which vary from bright green in summer to yellow and orange in autumn. It is appreciated for its seasonal beauty and the ability to adapt to various climates, giving extraordinary flowering in times of the year when few plants are able to bloom. Simple to grow, it prefers well-drained soils, partially sunny exposure and regular watering during the hot season.
Location
The Hamamelis is a species that prefers sunny or partially shady positions sheltered from the wind. It should be grown outside all year round: in summer if the sun is very strong in half shade; in winter it is necessary to shelter it from the intense cold, especially if temperatures drop below 5 ° C.
Watering
The common rule of watering that indicates to wet whenever the soil is dry to the touch, is also ideal in this case, considering, however, that in the warmest periods and in the presence of strong wind, it is necessary to intervene more frequently. Often, in fact, in these cases the ground is likely to remain completely dry. It is also good to keep in mind that both the lack and the excess of water can create serious imbalances to the plant.
Repotting
Repotting must be carried out every 2-3 years, in spring, when the plant resumes active growth. During this operation you can shorten the roots, but without exceeding with too drastic radical pruning. The ideal substrate must be well draining but able to retain moisture, to ensure a good development of the roots.
Pruning
The pruning of the Hamamelis should be carried out immediately after flowering, between the end of the winter and the beginning of spring, removing the dry or damaged branches to set the main structure. If you want to contain the growth you can cut the longer branches, but without overdoing it so as not to compromise the natural shape of the plant.
Stabbing
Stabbing is generally not necessary, as Hamamelis is a balanced-growing species and does not tend to become too high or develop in a disorderly way. But, if necessary, you can intervene in the spring on the new shoots to control the shape and stimulate a more compact growth.
Winding
This technique is possible, but not very common for Hamamelis, since it is a species with quite harmonious natural bearing, but it can be applied to order small branches or give a particular shape. It is preferable to perform this technique in spring or summer, when the branches are younger and more elastic.
Fertilization
Hamamelis bonsai needs an annual fertilization in the spring, at the beginning of the growing season, using a slow-divesting balanced fertilizer. It is important to avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which could promote too rapid and unresistant growth. If necessary you can repeat an application during the summer to keep the plant healthy and vigorous. Fertilization will be suspended in autumn and winter during vegetative rest.
Cure
Hamamelis is a robust and resistant species, which rarely suffers from parasites or diseases. However, it is important to monitor the presence of parasites such as aphids or red spider. In addition, to prevent fungal diseases, it is recommended to keep the foliage dry and ensure good drainage of the soil.
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