The Witch Hazel is an ornamental shrub particularly prized for its fragrant winter blooms and vibrant autumn colours. If you wish to propagate one, cuttings are an accessible method, albeit delicate, requiring patience as rooting takes time. Let's explore when and how to take witch hazel cuttings, how to successfully root witch hazel cuttings, and what equipment to use. Here's a step-by-step guide to mastering this propagation technique!

Why propagate witch hazel by cuttings?

Witch hazel is notoriously difficult to propagate from cuttings. It's not the most common method, as this shrub roots poorly from cuttings. Success rates are low, but with optimal conditions (warmth, humidity, rooting hormones), it can be achieved. This method allows you to:

  • Propagate a specific variety: cuttings ensure an exact replica of a witch hazel with particular flowering, shape, or foliage colour, avoiding the variations possible with seeds.
  • Save time compared to sowing: witch hazel seeds can take years to germinate, and seedling growth is slow. Successful cuttings yield a mature shrub more quickly.
  • An alternative to grafting: witch hazel is often grafted onto more vigorous rootstocks like Hamamelis virginiana. However, cuttings can be an option for those unfamiliar with grafting or wishing to try another method.
witch hazel cutting technique

When to take witch hazel cuttings?

Witch hazel cuttings are best taken in summer, between July and August, when stems are semi-hardwood (neither too soft nor too woody). At this stage, stems have enough vigour to develop roots while still being tender enough for successful propagation. Autumn cuttings are possible but generally less successful.

How to take witch hazel cuttings?

Required equipment

Cutting steps

Rooting witch hazel cuttings is tricky, but by following these steps and creating favourable conditions, success rates can improve. Heel cuttings are often preferred as they root more reliably.

  1. Prepare the cuttings
  • Select healthy, vigorous current-year shoots.
  • Using sharp secateurs, cut 10-15 cm tips with a heel – a small piece of older wood at the base.
  • Remove lower leaves, keeping only 2-3 upper leaves, halving their size to reduce moisture loss.
propagating witch hazel

2. Use rooting hormone

As witch hazel struggles to root, it's advisable to:

  • Dip the cutting bases in powdered or gel rooting hormone.
  • Gently tap off excess before planting.

3. Plant in suitable compost

  • Fill pots or trays with well-draining compost and moisten.
  • Insert the heel slightly to ensure good contact, firming gently around it.
witch hazel propagation

4. Create a warm, humid environment

  • Place pots in a closed environment – under a mini greenhouse, perforated plastic film, or a clear bag supported by stakes to retain humidity and warmth.
  • Position in a warm spot (20-25°C) out of direct sunlight.
  • Mist regularly to prevent drying out.
Witch hazel cuttings

5. Monitor rooting progress

Rooting can take several months (sometimes until the following spring).

  • Check compost moisture regularly.
  • Ventilate the mini greenhouse daily to prevent condensation and mould.
  • Once roots are well-developed (after 2-3 months), pot individually in richer compost before planting out after a few years (wait two or three springs).
  • Gradually acclimatise young plants to outdoor conditions before final planting.