Corylus avellana ‘Red Majestic’

‘Red Majestic’ is a corkscrew hazel with a twist: it combines the familiar twisting, contorted stems of the classic corkscrew hazel with rich purple leaves and red-purple catkins. Large heart-shaped leaves emerge a deep red-purple in spring, softening through summer to a darker purple-green.

Long purple-red catkins hang from the contorted bare branches in late winter and early spring. The twisting framework becomes even more striking in winter, lit up by a low sun. Grows to around 2.5 to 3m with a similar spread.

Plant in moist, well-drained soil in full sun for best leaf colour. Remove any straight green shoots from the base, as these are reverted to the non-contorted rootstock.

A cracking specimen plant for a winter garden, a mixed border, or as a focal point in a courtyard.