Corylus Avellana Contorta
Grateful Deadhead
Posts: 113
Dear Forum Members,
I am researching into different hazel shrubs/trees with a view to buying trees for planting in this winter.
I am quite interested in the Corkscrew hazel but I am concerned that for the particular site in the garden I am thinking of buying it for, it may be too slow growing (some privacy is required). I am reading everywhere about how it is slow growing.
Ultimately, I would like it to be about 2.5 high and 2.5 diameter spread (wide).
Can any of you estimate roughly how long it may be to achieve this?
I do understand that there are many variables in growing conditions which, in turn, will affect the rate of growth. Its sun requirements in our garden should be as it requires - full sun/partial shade, and I intend it to be planted into the ground, not into a pot.
Many thanks,
The Grateful Deadhead
Posts
Hi GD, Ive had a corkscrew hazel for 8 years and its still only about 6' tall, I think thats about 1.8 in new money. It has been moved once about 4 years ago. In previous house it was in a mainly sunny position with a bit of shade and in this house its in a mainly shady place with a bit of sun. Position hasnt really made any difference to rate of growth. Its healthy and has never caused any concerns. Cant say if this is the usual rate of growth or not.
Yes, they're not going to be tall in a hurry - it's because they grow round and about rather than straight up like the ordinary hazels.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I've never seen one much over 6ft/ 1.8m tall. The contorted nature means their actual height takes a long time to establish any great height. If you want height, look at Corylus Maxima Purpurea, which is much quicker and can easily reach 10ft / 3m in around 5 years.
Hi Hostafan - good to see you
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
hiya Dove,
Thanks for that and it's lovely to see you too.
I've bee a bit busy of late. Finished work at 11pm Friday, 10 pm last night, 4 hours sleep , been up since 5 , watered the polytunnel, about to have some breaky then back to work for 8!! I'm too old for this silly old malarkey.
Glad you're ok - sorry work's getting int he way of gardening
I've discovered work's not good for you - my blood pressure's gone down and so has my weight since I retired! 
I think everyone should do it - would save the NHS a fortune 
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Hi -
Bit of a dilemma I guess. I only need it to be 2.5 metres tall. BUT I might be able to get away with shorter, because, and for the purposes of privacy, the space where I want to plant it has become a bit overhung by a very graceful Silver Birch branch. This draping branch could and currently does form part of the privacy barrier needed. It might mean though that a corkscrew hazel would be in partial shade because of the overhanging branch. This is the dilemma.
YvieStevie - Thanks for telling me about your corkscrew Hazel. If 6 feet tall, how wide is the canopy?
Does anyone know if it would be possible to purchase a Corkscrew Hazel at several years age and therefore starting off with a taller shrub? Would there be any drawbacks to doing this?
I have been looking at pictures of them and it is hard to see whether or not they are multi stemmed or single trunked. Anybody know?
Many thanks again!