The woods of the Wild Garden, betwixt the Rock Garden, Alpine Meadow and Seven Acres (at RHS Wisley) were bright and fragrant with witch hazels, with names I had read about but not seen either on Battleston Hill nor at Kew.
These delicate thread-like flowers are completely hardy and will thrive, unharmed by snow and frost. Wind and rain have not had any impact it seems either and they are bright and fresh.
Woodland plants, enjoying deep fertile soils that do not dry out in summer – but still preferring a sunny spot, a break in the tree canopy… I seem to recall quoting from Graham Stuart Thomas and it would be quite unlikely if I had not dipped into the back-catalogue of The Telegraph, so additional information on their care and cultivation I will leave to a judicious search through my past postings.
The Teddington Gardener 