Corylus avellana 'Red Majestic' 7.5 Litres

Corylus avellana (Hazel) is a compact, spreading to semi-weeping, deciduous shrub or small tree. With twisted branches and deeply ribbed dark purple leaves in spring, turning green with a purple flush in summer before changing to bronzed-purple and green in the autumn. In late winter the branches are covered with purple-pink catkins which are followed by edible nuts.

Tolerant of most soil types as long as it's well-drained, does well on chalky soils. Will grow in sun or partial shade, the best leaf colouring will be maintained by planting in a sunny spot.

The twisted branches make a great architectural feature and the varying colours provide interest all year. A common hedgerow plant it is good for wildlife and can be coppiced for stakes and binders to use in place of bamboo canes. An excellent choice for a small city garden as it is highly tolerant of urban pollution. Being deer-resistant they also make an ideal choice for a country garden or a mixed hedge or meadow garden.

The variety Red Majestic has an RHS Award of Garden Merit.