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Corkscrew Hazel Corylus avellana Contorta

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British Grown – The British Grown logo denotes plants and trees that have been both propagated and grown in the UK. Read more

Product Description

CORYLUS AVELLANA CONTORTA – Corkscrew Hazel

Characteristics

A curious curled and twisted form discovered in about 1863 in a hedgerow at Frocester in Gloucestershire.  It is one of the best sculptural shrubs, especially in late winter when it has yellow catkins hanging from its branches.

It is often called ‘Harry Lauder's walking stick’ after the stick carried by the Scottish singer.

Where to grow

Hazel will grow in a wide range of situations. It is extremely tough and resistant to frost.  It will grow best on damp fertile soils but will quite happily survive and flourish in rocky places once established.  It prefers neutral to alkaline soils and will tolerate quite high levels of shading.

Did you know?

Sir Harry Lauder was a Scottish music hall singer popular at the end of the 19th and beginning of th 20th Century.  Lauder usually performed in Highland regalia, Kilt, Sporran, Tam O Shanter and twisted walking stick, singing songs with a Scottish theme. He wrote most of his own songs, favourites included "Roamin' in the Gloamin'", "I Love a Lassie", "A Wee Deoch-an-Doris", and "Keep Right on to the End of the Road", they are still sung today.

He was, at one time, the highest-paid performer in the world and was the first British artiste to sell a million records. Lauder's music appealed to all, including workers, merchants, royalty and presidents.

 

 

Features

Mature Height

Very Small up to 5 metres

Spread

0-5 metres

Shape / Habit

Shrub Multi-Stem

Growth Rate

Slow

Soil Type

All soil types

Sun Levels

Full sun
Partial shade
Heavy Shade

Difficulty / Hard to Grow

Easy

Evergreen / Deciduous

Deciduous

Autumn Colour

Yellow

Leaf Colour

Green

Foliage

Dense
Large Leaves
Late to drop leaves

Flower Colour

Yellow

Flowering Month

January
February
March
December

Uses

Garden Tree
Small garden Tree
Edible Fruit/Nuts
Flower Arranging
Suitable for Containers
Suitable for Patio

Season

Winter
Spring

Aftercare

Pruning Corylus avellana Contorta

Let Corylus avellana Contorta develop naturally into a multi-stemmed tree, just removing any unwanted suckers. Remove congested shoots, as well as cracked and weakened stems. The size and shape can be controlled by removing unwanted branches, and because it is prone to suckering you can prune hard to renovate.

What time of year should I prune? Prune in Winter when the tree is dormant.

 

For the continued healthy growth of your trees, shrubs or hedging it is vital that you follow the advice below.

Watering

The main reason that plants die within 12 months of having been planted is lack of water. It is essential throughout the spring and summer, to give a heavy enough watering to enable the water to penetrate right down to the deepest root level of the tree. In hot dry spells give the equivalent of 2 bucketfuls every three days.

Weed Control

One of the most common causes of lack of water is competition from grass. When trees are first establishing, the grass roots would be at the same level as the tree roots and are far more efficient at taking up water and thus choke the tree. It is vital that for at least 3 years after planting your tree or hedge has a circle or strip one metre wide completely free of grass.

  1. Mulch mats are an effective way to stop grass and weeds, although they will require a careful eye to make sure they continue to work. After clearing the ground around the tree, firmly fit the mat by tucking the edges into the soil and put a thick layer of bark mulch on top of this. Be careful not to allow the woodchip to touch the stem as it can cause rot.
  2. Weed killer is very effective, however it is harmful to the environment. Organic weed killers usually do not kill roots. Weed killer needs to be applied each year for the first 3 years, preferably when the tree is dormant, or just once before applying a mulch mat.
  3. Mowing or strimming is NOT an answer to the problem. Each time you mow, the grass will grow back more vigorously and strimming invariably leads to lacerated trunks.

Staking

If trees are not correctly secured they will rock in the planting pit. Roots not firmly in contact with the soil are unable to take up moisture and nutrients, resulting in die back or death of the tree. Check, particularly after windy weather, that stakes are still solidly in the ground keeping the base of the trunk firm. The purpose of the stakes is to anchor the roots. Flexing in the wind, higher up the trunk, is not necessarily a problem if the roots are firm.

Bellow is list of the correct system to use to secure your trees.

  • 40/60, 60/80, 80/100 whips - Unless rabbit/deer problem no need to stake.
  • 100/125, 125/150 1.2m Cane and Easi tie.
  • 150/175 1.2m square stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
  • 175/250, 6/8, 8/10 15L 1.65 Tree stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
  • All larger trees. 2 x 1.65 Tree stake and cross rail with 38mm cushion spacer and 1m of 38mm strapping.

Ties

Always use our recommended tree ties or strapping. These are designed and manufactured with the correct amount of give to hold the tree firm without strangling it. They should be checked at the end of each growing season for adjustment as the trunk thickens. Non proprietary materials such as baler twine will cut into the bark and should not be used.

Protection from Animal Damage

Rabbits, deer, sheep, cattle and horses can all potentially damage trees. Ask us for advice on the most appropriate guards for your trees or hedge. Squirrels are also a terrible pest when trees get to about 20ft tall but there is no protection available.

Are the delivery costs the same no matter how many plants I order?

Yes the delivery costs are the same no matter how many plants you have on your order. They are worked out based on your distance from our nursery and can be found here.

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