Introducing 'Arnold's Promise' Witch Hazel. Spring is still a month away but the messenger is here. Witch hazel is the first plant to bloom in the Northeastern United State. It can grow in dense shade and have very nice form. There is nothing can substitute this plant. Unfortunately it is unknown to most of the people because most of the Nursery won't carry them. By the time the garden center opens, the early blooming flowers will be long gone. Only the avid gardeners would buy them. The same situation applies to Iberis, the candytuft.