Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’

Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’

Corkscrew hazel

Position: full sun or partial shade
Soil: well-drained soil
Flowering period: February to March
Height: 3m
Foliage: deciduous
Hardiness: fully hardy

Varieties

Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’

Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’, often known as corkscrew hazel, is a large shrub or small tree with striking, twisted stems, providing permanent structure in the garden. In late winter it produces attractive golden-yellow catkins on bare stems.

Mid-green leaves emerge in spring that turn buttery-yellow in autumn. Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ is slow-growing and will reach a height of 3m.

Corylus avellana ‘Red Majestic’

Corylus avellana ‘Red Majestic’ is similar in appearance with corkscrew-like stems, but the catkins are purple-pink in winter. In spring the foliage has a striking wine red colour, maturing to bronzed-purple and green. Red nuts appear in autumn, loved by wildlife.

Pruning

When and how to prune Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ and ‘Red Majestic’ (corkscrew hazel ). Prune out dead or damaged branches or branches that are badly placed, in early spring before the leaves open.

If necessary, cut out suckers (long straight shoots) that emerge from the base of the plant. You can do this job all year round.

Plant combination

Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ will look good with a range of partners such as Hamamelis, Amelanchier lamarckii, Cornus sibirica and Hellebores.

Helleborus orientalis