It is not surprising then, that one of my very favorite plants is Arnold Promise, a bright yellow witch hazel. While very attractive, Arnold is not so interested in looking good. He does what few other plants will do. In February when other plants are sleeping, Arnold gets dressed up in his yellow finery and blooms for us. You can't imagine the excitement around here when Arnold begins to bloom. This blooming plant marks a passage of time for us.
Arnold's blossoms spread throughout the plant...bright yellow on bare stems. When enough blossoms are open, the heavenly fragrance wafts through the air and you no longer have to stick your nose in the plant to smell it. Your mood is uplifted the minute your walk outside.
Arnold has showy green leaves all summer. They turn a beautiful orange in the fall. If you live in the proper area, consider getting your own Arnold Promise witch hazel. It will bring more joy than even the first crocus or daffodil. I promise.
19 comments:
What a lovely promise of spring,... blooming in just the right cheerful color and just at a time when we are all ready for some springtime thoughts! Lovely!
Amazingly we have TWO in our small town. I know that smell but never thought as to what it was. Now I know. Very nice tribute to Erma. She made me laugh.
Are they hardy up here?
I'd give my eye teeth for some of that color!
.... hmmmm ... I wonder if it would grow here?
I think it's wonderful to have any blossoms in February. The fragrance would be just an added bonus.
Neat promise of Spring, Carolyn..I think that Crossville still have some barber shops with those barber poles!!!!
The smell I remember is those horrible perms that I used to get.. Do you remember the old rollers which hung down from the ceiling????? GADS--that was FOREVER ago...
Thanks for the memories.
Hugs,
Betsy
I'm sorry. That stupid word verification messed me up and my comment posted twice... DUH!!!
Betsy
I used to use witch hazel on my pimples :-)
I have never seen one growing around here, but then I have never really looked.
Nice to have something so showy blooming early. We have a few daffodils opening and some crocus if you're alert. Looking forward to some warm spring weather.
This looks like a beautiful plant. Yellow blooms in February would bring some much-needed spring cheer.
Erma Bombeck's writings always made me laugh. She was a great lady.
It's so wonderful to have something in your yard that blooms early and lets you know that spring is really coming. I may have to get an Arnold of my very own!
I had not seen witchhazels around here before, until I stumbled upon someone's last week. What a nice spring surprise, to find blossoms in January!
I think I might get some. I've seen it around, but didn't know what it was called.
I don't recall ever seeing a Witch Hazel although I keep it on hand.
I'll have to see about getting one of those. My maternal grandfather had a Barbershop when I was growing up. I loved to visit him there!
Carol
Lovely, lovely, lovely. I can almost smell spring! Thanks so much.
I don't think I have ever seen witch hazel in bloom before. It is lovely.
Thanks for your comments. Arnold Promise grows in plant zones 5-8. To find your Plant Hardiness Zone, go to http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html
Scroll down and click on your area to see what zone(s) you are in.
Lynne - I think you are iffy for Arnold Promise but you might ask the local nursery.
Betsy - You must have lived in a really small town. Even I don't remember those rollers that hung from the ceiling. I've seen them in movies, but not in person.
Bird Girl - Thanks. Some parts of PA might be suitable; some not.
Nina - Yes, it is a great surprise, not diminishing as time goes by.
Carol - What fun to have had a grandfather with a barber shop. I remember being so in love with all the action. I sat quietly in the chair with my lollipop just taking it all in.
Witch Hazed is so special but won't flower even in my mountain garden, it is just not cold enough.
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