General: The Japanese witch hazel is native to the mountain forests of Japan. It grows here as a broadly spreading shrub with a height of up to 4 meters. The shape and color of the deciduous leaves are reminiscent of our native hazelnut, although the plants are not closely related. The underside of the leaf is bare compared to the Chinese witch hazel. In autumn the leaves turn a bright yellow or yellow-orange. However, the extraordinary flowering in spring is particularly decorative. Sometimes the many flowers with their yellow, thread-like petals appear as early as January before the leaves shoot. This has made the witch hazel a popular garden plant in Europe too, and here it often has a solitary place where it can develop freely.
Care as a bonsai: The witch hazel is also very suitable as a bonsai thanks to its unique bloom and great autumn colors. The plant grows somewhat cautiously and does not develop any particular fine branching. Due to the loose structure as a bonsai, the slightly fragrant, yellow flowers come into their own in spring. The witch hazel needs a light location and needs to be watered and fertilized regularly. In winter, the roots should be protected from excessive frosts.
