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New Contorted Hazel

BigDaisyBigDaisy Posts: 2
in Problem solving
I recently purchased a Corylus Contorta Red Majestic online, when it arrived it was basically a 4ft long trunk with a small branch near the bottom with a few leaves at the end of both. I have planted it in a large pot, but I;m unsure how the plant will develop - will it grow more side branches, or do I have to prune it back to encourage new growth?
I have wanted one of thease for years, but this one just isn;t very pretty at all!
Any advice would be gratefully received.

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited May 2019
    When I had one I did no pruning other than to
    prune out any ‘straight’ suckers that occurred from below the graft. It grew slowly but developed lots of beautiful twisted stems over the years.

    I found it was happiest in the ground, but if that’s not possible then a good container with JI No 3 loam-based compost should be fine as long as it’s not allowed to dry out.

    Pot on as necessary and if not potting on then replace the top couple of inches of compost with fresh each spring. 

    I love them ... such an elegant winter feature in the garden. 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    I would not have accepted this plant and would have asked for a refund. At 4ft tall, it should have been sent out with lots of side branches showing the contortion which is the whole reason for buying it. I know it's a right pain to return things ordered online but that is what some companies bank on to get rid of their sub-standard plants. These days I have learnt to buy choice plants only after I have seen them in a reputable nursery.

      As Dove says, you have to hope it will grow new branches in due course. Good luck. 
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • BigDaisyBigDaisy Posts: 2
    Thank you Lizzie, these were my thoughts exactly, but never having had one before I thought maybe I should ask. It was purchased from a reputable online plant supplier, but maybe among the last ones left - they are now out of stock. I will ask for a refund and look for one locally.
    Not the pretty shrub I anticipated.

    And thank you Dovefrom above for the planting advice, I'll refer back to this when I get a nice one
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