On a recent visit to Longwood Gardens I finally saw some flowers blooming outside – and realized that yes – spring is finally coming to the DC area. Between the entrance and conservatory I spotted a group of trees with yellow, orange and red blossoms on them. Taking a closer look – I realized that several varieties of Witch-Hazel (Hamamelis X Intermedia) were blooming.

Witch-Hazel grows as either a deciduous shrub or small tree. The pliable branches helped give the trees their names. In Middle English wiche means pliable – the hazel refers to its similarity to hazel branches and their use as divining rods. Many witch-hazel provide color in the garden all winter – the flowers blossom on leafless branches all winter long. The flowers have a unique shape – each has four slender strap shaped petals.

Witch-hazel has traditionally been used as an astringent. Extracts from the bark and leaves have been used to treat bruises and insect bites.

Here are some of my favorite photos of the Witch-Hazel at Longwood

The petals on Jelana are red at the center – changing to orange and then yellow the further out you look on each petal

(c) 2010 Patty Hankins

(c) 2010 Patty Hankins

(c) 2010 Patty Hankins

The petals on Diane are a wonderful shade of red

(c) 2010 Patty Hankins

(c) 2010 Patty Hankins

Primavera has bright yellow petals

(c) 2010 Patty Hankins

And finally Ruby Glow with petals in shades of red and orange

The witch-hazel blossoms at Longwood Gardens provided a great splash of color – and a reminder that other flowers will soon be blooming as well.