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Corkscrew hazel
The Corylus avellana 'Contorta', widely known as corkscrew hazel or Harry Lauder's walking stick, is a captivating deciduous shrub celebrated for its unique, spiraled branches that twist naturally to create a fascinating visual display. This whimsical growth pattern makes it an intriguing focal point for any garden space throughout the year.
Its distinctive form is complemented by a display of yellow catkins in the early spring months, adding a touch of brightness before many other plants have begun to awaken from winter dormancy.
Some of the notable features of the Corylus avellana 'Contorta' include:
We would like to provide some tips on how to plant and care for a Shrubs. By following these tips, you can be sure to enjoy your Shrubs for a long time.
For optimal growth, Corylus avellana 'Contorta' should be situated in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. This unique shrub thrives in a variety of well-drained soil types, showcasing its remarkable twisted branches most effectively when provided with ample sunlight. While the plant displays a certain resilience, the ideal setting would ensure that the soil remains moist without becoming waterlogged, supporting its average water needs. The corkscrew hazel's vibrant green foliage in spring and summer, followed by its striking yellow leaves in autumn, is best appreciated in a prominent position within a border or as a standalone specimen.
Planting Corylus avellana 'Contorta' should be done in a location where it can receive full sun to partial shade and in well-drained soil to accommodate its average water needs. This shrub thrives in a variety of soil types, making it a versatile addition to any garden. When planting, ensure there is ample space for the corkscrew hazel to reach its full height of 3 meters and to accommodate its unique, upright growth habit. Water the plant thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the root ball and encourage strong root development. Regular watering should be continued until the plant is well-established.
Corylus avellana 'Contorta' is a unique specimen that typically requires minimal intervention when it comes to pruning. Its distinctive, twisted branches naturally create an intriguing visual interest without the need for regular shaping. Should pruning be necessary, it is best performed immediately after the flowering period in late winter or early spring, to remove any dead or damaged wood and to maintain plant health. Pruning at this time allows the shrub to heal quickly without disrupting its flowering and fruiting cycles.
Corylus avellana 'Contorta' thrives with an average water supply, particularly during its active growing season in the spring and summer months. To ensure healthy growth and the development of its distinctive twisted branches, it is essential to maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil. While the plant's water needs are moderate, it benefits from deep watering, which helps the roots to extend deeper into the soil, thereby improving drought resilience. During dry spells, it is especially important to monitor soil moisture and water accordingly to prevent stress on the plant.
To encourage robust growth and bountiful fruit production in this unique shrub, proper fertilization is essential. It is advisable to apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as the plant breaks dormancy, and again in mid-summer to sustain its needs throughout the growing season. This ensures that nutrients are available during the crucial periods of new leaf growth and fruit development.
Care should be taken to distribute the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant, avoiding direct contact with the stem and foliage to prevent burn. Gently work the fertilizer into the top layer of soil and water thoroughly to help disperse the nutrients. Adequate fertilization will not only enhance the shrub's distinctive twisted branches but also support the vibrant yellow catkins and subsequent nut production.
One often overlooked aspect of Corylus avellana 'Contorta' is its stunning winter silhouette. When the leaves have fallen, the twisted, spiraling branches become a focal point, adding structural interest to the garden during the colder months. This plant thrives in a pot, allowing its unique shape to be showcased on patios or balconies where space is limited. Moreover, its catkins, which appear in late winter to early spring, provide an early source of food for pollinators.
Corylus avellana 'Contorta' typically reaches a height of 3 meters when fully mature.
Corylus avellana 'Contorta' is adaptable to various soil types, but it thrives best in well-drained soil. Ensuring that the soil provides proper drainage is essential for the optimal growth and development of this plant.
The most suitable location for Corylus avellana 'Contorta' is an area where it can receive ample sunlight, but it can also thrive in a spot with partial shade. This plant is adaptable to varying light conditions and can flourish well in both sunny and partially shaded environments.
The flowers of Corylus avellana 'Contorta' display a delightful yellow hue during their blooming period.
Corylus avellana 'Contorta' demonstrates winter hardiness, capable of withstanding temperatures between -20.6°C and -15.0°C. This places it within USDA hardiness zones 6b to 7a. Therefore, Corylus avellana 'Contorta' is well-suited to endure the winter months, provided the temperature remains within the indicated limits.
Corylus avellana 'Contorta' is not an evergreen plant. It is deciduous, shedding its leaves during the autumn season and regrowing them in the spring.
Corylus avellana 'Contorta' takes approximately 10 to 20 years to reach its ultimate height, signifying a gradual and steady growth pattern over an extended period.
If we are proud of anything at Heijnen Plants, it is our plant packaging. We have developed our own unique way of packaging our 9x9 cm potted plants. After years of continued development and research, we managed to create packaging that allows plants to be delivered to your home undamaged and quickly through a parcel service. This makes us unique!
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If you have ordered large-sized plants or trees, we deliver them on sealed pallets and place them around your house or driveway. The pallets are sturdy and provide optimal protection for large-sized plants.
We deliver small or medium-sized plants in boxes. The size of the box depends on the size of the plant. We always make sure that the plant has enough space but still stands firmly in the box, so it cannot be damaged during transport.
The Corylus avellana 'Contorta' is an exquisite choice for those seeking a unique ornamental feature in their landscape. Its intriguing twisted branches create a captivating silhouette year-round. This deciduous plant also provides delightful catkins in late winter, offering charm and character to any garden setting.
