Contorta

This contorted hazel makes an interesting addition to the winter garden - its twisted branches are most apparent in winter, and are highlighted by the attractive yellow catkins which appear in February.

Contorta can grow to an eventual height of about 3m, but benefits from being pruned back periodically.

Contorta hazel trees for sale

All our pot-grown trees are grown for us to our specification by the Frank P Matthews nursery.

All pot-grown trees are suitable for planting out in the garden, some are suitable for growing in containers.

• 2-year pot-grown tree £73.00

  
  Grown for us by Frank P Matthews nursery
  In a 12L pot
  Medium size (2.5m-3.5m after 10 years)
  

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How to grow

Contorta will grow in most soils, including clay and chalk.

We supply this plant as a single-stemmed bush, but it will if left to its own devices it will throw out new shoots from the base of the tree. These can be pruned out if you wish to retain a single stem.

History

Contorta appears to be a natural sport of the native English hazel.

Contorta characteristics

• Gardening skillAverage
• AwardsRHS AGM (current) - 2012
• Attractive featuresAttractive tree / plant
• Growth habitUpright-spreading / Vase
• Height after 10 years2.5m-3.5m / 8ft-12ft
• SunlightTolerates shade
• PruningPrune hard
• Growth rateAverage
• Flowering monthFebruary
• Leaf colourGreen
• Fruit persistenceNormal ripening
• Country of originUnited Kingdom
• Annual cycleDeciduous

Similar varieties

• Corylus avellana
  Red Majestic
  A red-leaved form of the contorted or twisted hazel.

What will it look like?

Illustrative example of a pot-grown tree of this variety as supplied. Approximate girth: 6/8cm. We try to keep all pot-grown trees down to about 1.5m as supplied, but some may be larger. Trees should reach their mature height after about 10 or more years.