Corylus Avellana Contorta

Looking for another tree with Winter interest. You will not go wrong with Corylus (Hazel) Grown for their late Winter catkins and of course the hazel nuts in Autumn.

The one in our garden Corylus Avellana Contorta (Corkscrew Hazel) or (Harry Lauders Walking Stick) is already starting to show its yellow male catkins. They will continue to develop throughout the Winter, Contorta however is grown more for the interest of the strongly twisted shoots, which are seen to be of great interest in winter, and also useful in flower arrangements. Fully hardy, growth is slow, most likely not exceeding twelve feet. Does well in full sun or partial shade. Look out for suckers, easily recognised as these will be the only straight stems, simply cut them off at the base.

(Maxima) this cultivar, an upright shrub or tree grows to around 20ft, expect a good crop of Hazel nuts from this one, also ornamental in late Winter with a good show of yellow catkins.

(Purpurea)  Purple tinged catkins in late Winter followed by dark purple foliage, hazel nuts in Autumn. Purpurea is best in a sunny situation, also grows to 20ft making it ideal for the smaller garden.


© 2006 – 2010, Alistair. All rights reserved.

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