In article , Magwitch writes
anton muttered:


"p00kie" wrote in message
k...

"Oxymel of Squill" wrote in message
...
Anyone have any wise words on these?
I had one in London which did really well. You could give it a good
shake
and the nuts would cover the ground.
Now I'm in Wisbech, I planted 3 different varieties (labels have all
faded
of course) 4 years ago and they're not keen. Still very short and
straggly
and no signs of catkins up to last season. Do they need any special
attention?


Am guessing they're not liking the soil conditions.


I'd guess the same- and they might be too dry. Maybe try mulching with
garden compost or something similar this year.

Monty Don wrote about a _witch_ hazel that had hardly put on any growth
despite mulching, saying although he knew they liked shelter and lots of
water, he then realised they don't like too much shade, so he moved them to
a brighter but still sheltered position and they took off - they are edge of
woodland plants.

Although they're both plants which can grow in the shade, they are not
particularly closely related. Hazel is much more closely related to
birch and even beeches and oaks than it is to witch hazel.

--
Kay
"Do not insult the crocodile until you have crossed the river"