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Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ (Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick)

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick, Corkscrew Hazel, Contorted Filbert

AGM Award
Corylus avellana 'Contorta', Harry Lauder's Walking Stick, Corkscrew Hazel, Contorted Filbert, European Hazel, Cobnut , Deciduous Shrubs, Foliage, Fall color, Winter color, shrub with catkins
Corylus avellana 'Contorta', Harry Lauder's Walking Stick, Corkscrew Hazel, Contorted Filbert, European Hazel, Cobnut , Deciduous Shrubs, Foliage, Fall color, Winter color, shrub with catkins
Corylus avellana 'Contorta', Harry Lauder's Walking Stick, Corkscrew Hazel, Contorted Filbert, European Hazel, Cobnut , Deciduous Shrubs, Foliage, Fall color, Winter color, shrub with catkins
Corylus avellana 'Contorta', Harry Lauder's Walking Stick, Corkscrew Hazel , Deciduous Shrubs, Foliage, Fall color, Winter color, shrub with catkins

Noted for its beautifully contorted and twisted branches, Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ (Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick) is a deciduous shrub of great beauty. In late winter and early spring, long, pendant, golden-yellow catkins dangle like Christmas decorations from the lively, brown-barked shoots that curl and spiral in all directions. In summer, broadly ovate, crisp-textured, mid-green leaves appear from every angle of the stems. This multi-stemmed, suckering shrub is useful for winter flower arrangements and makes a great conversation piece!

  • Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Grows up to 8-10 ft. high and wide (240-300 cm). Prompt removal of root suckers will help maintain plant appearance, and prevent thicket formation.
  • Performs best in full sun to part shade, in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils.
  • Looks spectacular as a centerpiece in a winter garden. Great choice for hedges or screens, along sidewalks where its beautiful silhouette can be admired, or in shrub borders. May be grown in containers too.
  • Pruning should be kept to a minimum to preserve the picturesque habit of this shrub. Remove diseased, damaged or crossing shoots in late winter or early spring.
  • Propagate by grafting
  • Generally disease free. Watch for caterpillars, gall mites, aphids and sawflies.
  • Native to Europe, western Asia and northern Africa

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Betulaceae
Common names Harry Lauder's Walking Stick, Contorted Filbert, Filbert, Hazelnut
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spread 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spacing 120" (3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Pathways, Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Recommended Companion Plants

Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Diane’ (Witch Hazel)
Eranthis hyemalis (Winter Aconite)
Crocus tommasinianus ‘Ruby Giant’ (Early Crocus)
Galanthus nivalis (Snowdrop)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Heat Zones 1 - 8
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Betulaceae
Common names Harry Lauder's Walking Stick, Contorted Filbert, Filbert, Hazelnut
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spread 8' - 10' (240cm - 3m)
Spacing 120" (3m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Plant of Merit, Showy
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Pathways, Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?

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