Corylus avellana 'Contorta'

An exceptionally popular, ornamental plant with twisted stems, Corylus avellana 'Contorta' was first found in a Gloucestershire hedgerow in the mid-nineteenth century. This original plant can still be found growing at Myddelton House in Middlesex.

It has amazing, gnarled and twisted branches and forms a dense rounded shrub. The contorted branches have great interest all year round, especially winter and it also has masses of small, creamy-white catkins in early spring. A superb shrub with year round interest!

• Position: Full sun or partial shade.
• Soil: Any fertile soil.
• Hardiness: Hardy.
• Flowering Period: January to March (Catkins).
• Rate of Growth: Slow.
• Habit: Corylus avellana 'Contorta'  grows to be a medium sized or eventually large, densely branching shrub with contorted, twisting stems.
  • Height: up to 3 m (10 ft) in many years.
  • Spread: 3 m (10 ft).

• Notes: The twisted stems of Corylus avellana 'Contorta' are often used to help create eye-catching flower arrangements.