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| early fall, Hamamelis 'Jelena' |
Just a few days ago, I told Karin at Southern Meadows (also in zone 7b) that I had no witch hazel blooms yet, but yesterday I walked out to look again and found that two of the shrubs do have a few blooms!
The brown leaves of last season still cling to the shrubs, so I didn't notice flowers at first. Do you know if it is characteristic of this plant to retain the dead leaves? I hope not; it's ugly. I didn't notice a scent, either. Has fragrance been sacrificed for bigger flowers (ie. hybrid tea roses)? Maybe 'Jelena' releases scent at particular times or in certain weather. If you know, please leave a comment. I do hope it is fragrant.
Even without fragrance, the blooms are nice. My artistic son took a glance at my photos and decided they look like crayon shavings. Crinkly, waxy -- I can see it, can't you?
~*~
UPDATE February 2, 2012: Jelena IS fragrant! It doesn't seem to float through the air like winter honeysuckle, but up close it's nice.
UPDATE February 2, 2012: Jelena IS fragrant! It doesn't seem to float through the air like winter honeysuckle, but up close it's nice.
5 comments:
They are such fun blooms! They look like party streamers to me but I see the crayon shavings too! I don't know if they are fragrant but I do love their color! Thanks for the shot out! Are you getting as much rain as we are? My rain gauges are full!
Hi Daricia, I think it is common for witch hazels to hold on to their leaves well into winter...sorry.
I believe Jelena is fragrant...I know some are more fragrant than others. I need to check mine and see if those buds have opened. And yes, I agree with your son, shaved bits of crayons. :-)
lots of rain, karen, yes!
thanks for the info, janet. i need to look at the native witch hazels and see if i can squeeze one of those in somewhere.
Our witch hazel is Arnold's Promise. Every February he fulfills his promise. What a treat to the eyes and nose; yellow blossoms and a wonderful fragrance. Brightens up our February every year.
'Arnold Promise'is a great shrub! i would have planted that one instead of 'Jelena' except that i already have so much late winter/early spring yellow in my garden. maybe i should have gone with it after all! i'm glad yours is such a good performer for you.
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