Witch hazel

A shrub originating from North America, the witch hazel was imported to Europe in the middle of the 18th century by a gardening enthusiast after hearing an impassioned description from a botanist friend: “Magical are its flowers which bloom in the dark days of winter, bringing a touch of precious light to the garden. Dazzling is its foliage which, in autumn, adorns it with exceptional colours”. In addition to its beauty, witch hazel also offered medicinal benefits and its leaves were traditionally prescribed for their vasoprotective effect.