Magnolia vs Witch Hazel?

Hello,

I'm in a Vancouver property that has a large wooden planter on the edge of a 5th floor south facing patio that originally had two bushy Star Magnolias (Magnolia Stellata Summer Snow) in it. They died in the first year as the developer turned off the water in the summer and didn't tell anyone. There was lavender planted below and around them. There is another building being constructed beyond the planter across the street, so it is hoped they will provide some barrier for that.

Now they are saying they are going to replace the magnolias that were originally selected by the landscape architect, with witch hazel (hamamelis Intermedia "Arnold's Promise"), because they say that deciduous magnolias can be temperamental in exposed areas so they decided to plant something hardier that is of a similar shape and size, but with more fall interest.

Is the witch hazel that much hardier than the magnolia?
How does the witch hazel's fall interest compare to a magnolia in bloom in spring?
How do the two compare when they are not in bloom?
Which is likely to provide a better sound/visual barrier?
Is there a site where you can see what a particular tree looks like through the four seasons?
Any other thoughts regarding the two options?

Thanks! First time poster and apologize if this isn't appropriate for the forum.

Jeni

 

Hi Jeni,
Here is a link that enables you to compare growth and care requirements of trees and shrubs. If you scroll to the bottom of each selection there is a compare box to click on and select another type of tree.
I don't know how large the planter is that you mention but it seems to me that both of those selections would likely be too big for many planters (unless very large, of course). Both those trees/shrubs can become up to 20 feet tall with a spread of 10 feet.
Hope this helps.
compare.php

 

Welcome, Jeni! Here's a quick comparison of Magnolia Stellata vs. Hamamelis 'Arnold's Promise':

1. Hardiness: Witch hazel is hardier, better for exposed areas, and more drought-resistant than magnolia.
2. Fall vs. Spring Interest: Magnolia has beautiful spring blooms, but witch hazel offers vibrant fall color and unique winter flowers, giving it more year-round appeal.
3. When Not in Bloom: Magnolia can look plain, while witch hazel has a more interesting structure and foliage.
4. Barrier: Witch hazel tends to be denser, making it a better visual/sound barrier.
5. Resources: Try Gardenia.net or Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder for seasonal photos.

Witch hazel may be the better choice for a hardy, all-season plant, but magnolia still shines in spring if you want the showy blooms!

 

'Arnold Promise' is genetically programmed to grow 20 ft. across. As with magnolias, witch hazels are moist summer climate adapted. And there are almost no kinds that do not grow at least 10 ft. tall. So, the title of your question amounts to an equivalent of Cow vs. Steer when the involved corral is really not suitable for either.

 

Is there an official list from City of Vancouver BC?

there used to be

I like my witch hazel that came with this old house and garden

tho some bloom hot pink colour

i am lucky I have white bloom colour

berries for birds, too

 

Among similar plants hot pink as well as white would be Loropetalum and not Hamamelis.

Chinese fringe flower (Loropetalum chinense) · iNaturalist

 

Official list of what?
Street tree data is at https://opendata.vancouver.ca/explore/dataset/street-trees/map/.

 

I think it’s the official list from city of Vanc of replacement trees

I'll see if I can find it

 

Thank you RonB
I realize was confusing “witch hazel” with “Hawthorne” so I asked moderator to delete my post so as not to further confuse

thank you for your informative posts - I’m always learning from you

 

hello - I think this is what I am referring to
https://vancouver.ca/files/cov/replacement-trees-instructions.pdf

Also if original post person has questions - incl those involving private property - maybe some answers here in this link - tho strata / multi residential might be diff than single dwelling
LINK BELOW
https://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/tree-removal-permit.aspx

 

Note spelling is hawthorn. With all spellings of hawthorne when used in reference to a tree being incorrect. Regardless of source.