Corkscrew Hazel | Corylus avellana 'Contorta'
Unmatched ornamental value
Grown by Mike
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
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Corkscrew Hazel
Corylus avellana 'Contorta'
- First discovered in a hedge in the 1800s, this perennially-popular hazel is unmatched when it comes to ornamental value. Its contorted branches twist and corkscrew in spirals providing genuine year-round interest.
- Particularly interesting in winter, when there are no leaves to disguise the interesting form. Also known as "Harry Lauder's Walking Stick", after an old-time, Scottish comedian and his gnarled walking aid.
- Growing to no more than four metres high or wide, 'Contorta' is perfect for small gardens and can even be grown in a large container on the patio or terrace.
- Boasting colour-changing, heart-shaped (cordate) foliage, and long yellow catkins from winter into to spring. It's not just the branches that twist and torsion - the leaves do, too!
- Our trees are usually between 18 and 36 months old at the time of dispatch.
- Our trees are professionally pruned before dispatching.
What to expect
Supplied as
Height on arrival
Eventual height
Eventual spread
Flower colour
Habit
Hardiness
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
Yes, Corkscrew Hazel can be grown in a pot initially. Start with a 50cm pot. Depending on its vigour, it may need moving to the ground after a few years. Ensure adequate drainage and water regularly during warm weather above 20°C.
How big does it get?
The Corkscrew Hazel typically reaches a height of 2 to 3 metres, with a similar spread of 2 to 3 metres, although it can be maintained at a smaller size with regular pruning.
How much sunlight does this need?
Corkscrew Hazel prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
Corkscrew Hazel prefers moist, well-drained soil, but is highly adaptable to a variety of garden soil types, withstanding temperatures down to -10°C. Provide a 5cm layer of mulch to protect the roots.
How much watering does this plant need?
Corkscrew Hazel requires regular watering, especially during its first few years of establishment. Provide approximately 10 to 20 litres of water per week, ensuring the soil remains moist but well-drained. During hot weather above 25°C, increase watering frequency to prevent the roots from drying out.
Will this plant need pruning?
Corkscrew Hazel should be pruned in late winter or early spring while dormant, removing any dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
How hardy is this plant?
Corylus avellana 'Contorta' is fully hardy across the UK with an RHS rating of H6, enduring temperatures between -15°C and -20°C.
The wider garden
Roots' Cotswolds Valley Nursery
Meet Mike
Tree-growing skills honed right across the globe
Having started out in Australia, studied in Northern Ireland and volunteered at an organic farm in Sweden, it’s fair to say Mike’s done his fair share of travel on his horticultural journey, so far! Having happily laid down roots here at Roots, Mike is the don behind our tree-growing operation, imparting each and every one of his globally-honed skills to benefit your garden. Grown in our purpose-built nursery, in the ideal climatic conditions of the fertile Vale of Evesham, we’re proud to supply only the happiest, healthiest and hardiest trees.
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