Red Majestic Contorted Hazel Corylus avellana 'Red Majestic' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Corylus avellana 'Red Majestic', commonly known as the contorted filbert or Harry Lauder's walking stick, boasts a striking appearance thanks to its distinctively twisted and spiraling branches. The branches extend in a contorted fashion, creating an unusual yet captivating form which is particularly noticeable during the winter months when the leaves have fallen. With seasonal changes, this plant presents a dynamic display. It sprouts long, catkin-like flowers in late winter to early spring before the foliage emerges. These flowers are typically yellowish and dangle gracefully from the twisted boughs. As the seasons progress, the leaves begin to unfurl, revealing their initial deep red or purple color. As they mature, the foliage gradually transitions to a lush green with occasional undertones of the initial purple, especially on the undersides or along the veins. The leaves themselves are rounded to broadly ovate with a double-serrated edge, providing a textured effect. Later in the year, the plant may produce nuts that are encased in a husk, adding to its visual interest. The contorted filbert's bark is also noteworthy, typically gray or brown with a rough texture that enhances the visual interest of its curiously twisted branches. This combination of unique structure, attractive foliage, distinctive flowers, and playful nuts makes the 'Red Majestic' a whimsical and eye-catching addition to any garden or landscape setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Betulaceae.
Synonyms
Red Majestic Contorted Filbert, Red Majestic Corkscrew Hazel, Red Majestic Filbert.
Common names
Corylus avellana 'Red Majestic' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Corylus avellana 'Red Majestic' (PBR) is the twisted hazel. Generally, twisted hazels are not considered toxic to humans. They produce nuts that are edible when ripe. There are no widespread reports of toxicity or poisoning from ingesting parts of the common twisted hazel plant in humans. However, individuals with nut allergies, specifically to hazelnuts, should avoid consuming the nuts as they can cause allergic reactions with symptoms including hives, swelling, digestive distress, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
To pets
The common name for Corylus avellana 'Red Majestic' (PBR) is the twisted hazel. This plant is not typically toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The nuts could pose a choking hazard or cause gastrointestinal obstruction if ingested in large amounts. Also, nuts can sometimes cause an upset stomach or be difficult to digest for pets. If a pet with a known nut allergy consumes the nuts, this may lead to an allergic reaction. However, toxic poisoning from consuming twisted hazel itself is not common in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Mixed
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
8 feet (2.4 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal - The plant offers striking foliage and catkins, which enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens.
- Seasonal Interest - It has year-round interest due to its contorted branches in winter, beautiful leaves in spring and summer, and catkins and nuts in autumn.
- Wildlife Attraction - It attracts wildlife such as birds and butterflies, which helps in maintaining the ecological balance.
- Low Maintenance - This plant requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners with limited time.
- Drought Resistance - It is relatively drought-tolerant, which is beneficial in regions with water scarcity or for more sustainable gardens.
- Edible Nuts - Provides edible hazelnuts which can be enjoyed by both wildlife and humans.
- Adaptability - It can adapt to a variety of soils, although it prefers well-drained soil.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife habitat: The contorted branches of Corylus avellana 'Red Majestic' provide shelter and nesting sites for various bird species, creating a safe haven within gardens and natural landscapes.
- Art and sculpture: The plant's distinctively twisted branches can be used in decorative arts, providing natural, intricate shapes for sculptures and floral arrangements.
- Photography subject: The unique form and foliage of this plant make it an attractive subject for photographers, especially during the autumn season when leaves change color.
- Educational tool: Horticulture and botany students might use the 'Red Majestic' as a study subject for genetic mutations and the impact of selective breeding on plant morphology.
- Seasonal decorations: Its red foliage and curly branches can be incorporated into seasonal wreaths and other autumnal decorations, adding a special touch to festive displays.
- Culinary presentation: The decorative branches could be used to add visual flair to gourmet dishes, providing an edible landscape on plates for special occasions.
- Play structures for children: Stronger branches of older plants, with their curious twists and turns, can be integrated into imaginative play areas for children to climb on or weave through.
- Focal point in landscape design: The plant can be used as a focal point in gardens, drawing attention and sparking curiosity with its unusual appearance.
- Craft material: Smaller branches can be used to make unique, handcrafted items such as ornamental frames, candle holders, or jewelry.
- Barrier planting: When grown densely, Corylus avellana 'Red Majestic' can form a visual barrier in gardens, providing privacy with an artistic twist.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe European hazelnut is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe European hazelnut is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection - The common hazel, related to the 'Red Majestic', is traditionally associated with protection. In ancient times, hazel twigs were used to make divining rods to protect against evil spirits and other dangers.
- Wisdom - The hazel tree has been a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. This association comes from the Celtic myth where a hazel tree was considered to contain ancient knowledge.
- Reconciliation - Hazel is also considered a symbol of reconciliation. The twigs were historically used to make peace with enemies in some cultures.
- Fertility – Being a prolific nut producer, hazel is often related to abundance and fertility, symbolizing the potential for new life and growth.
WaterThe Red Majestic Hazelnut requires moderate watering, especially when it's establishing during the first growing season. After establishment, water the plant deeply once or twice a week depending on the weather conditions, allowing the soil around it to dry out slightly between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to provide the plant with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time for young plants, increasing the amount as the plant matures and the root system grows. During hot, dry periods, increase the frequency of watering to ensure the root zone remains moist. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.
LightThe Red Majestic Hazelnut thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It prefers a location where it can receive at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily, but it can tolerate some light shade. Placing it in too much shade can lead to fewer leaves and less vibrant fall coloration. A spot with dappled sunlight throughout the day is ideal to promote healthy growth.
TemperatureThe Red Majestic Hazelnut is hardy and can withstand a temperature range from minus 20 to over 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8, making it suitable for a variety of climates. The ideal temperature for promoting good growth and nut production typically ranges from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit but it can tolerate the higher and lower extremes in its hardiness range.
PruningPruning the Red Majestic Hazelnut is essential for maintaining shape, promoting healthy growth, and encouraging fruit production. Prune in late winter to early spring before new growth starts, removing dead or damaged branches, and shaping as necessary. It's a good idea to thin out older branches every few years to allow light and air to reach the interior of the plant. Pruning is not required every year, but occasional maintenance will keep the plant looking its best.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Red Majestic Hazelnut prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. The best soil mix can be created by combining loam, peat moss, and sand in equal parts to ensure good fertility and drainage.
RepottingThe Red Majestic Hazelnut, being a large shrub, is not commonly repotted as it is typically grown outdoors. It does not require frequent repotting once planted in the ground.
Humidity & MistingThe Red Majestic Hazelnut thrives in outdoor environments with average environmental humidity and does not require specific humidity levels when planted outdoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not ideal to grow Red Majestic Hazelnut indoors; prefers outdoors.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade, hardy shrub.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Corylus avellana 'Red Majestic', commonly known as contorted filbert or Harry Lauder's walking stick, begins with seed germination, usually in spring when temperatures become conducive to growth. Once the seedling emerges, it enters the vegetative growth phase, involving the development of distinctive contorted branches and heart-shaped, red-purple leaves that become greener in summer. The plant reaches maturity and starts the reproductive phase, typically after a few years, when it produces monoecious flowers with separate male catkins and small, inconspicuous female flowers. Pollination occurs, often aided by the wind, leading to the formation of hazelnuts encased in a thick husk by the end of summer or in early autumn. The nuts mature, fall to the ground, and can be dispersed by wildlife or human intervention, allowing the cycle to begin anew if the seeds find suitable conditions. Throughout its life, 'Red Majestic' experiences an annual dormancy in winter, shedding leaves and entering a rest period until conditions are favorable again for growth in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter
The Corylus avellana 'Red Majestic', commonly known as the contorted filbert or Harry Lauder's walking stick, is generally propagated by hardwood cuttings. This method is most successfully undertaken in late fall after the leaves have dropped, signaling that the plant has entered dormancy. To propagate by hardwood cuttings, select healthy, mature stems from the current year's growth and cut them into segments approximately 6 to 8 inches long (15 to 20 centimeters). Each cutting should have at least two or three nodes, where buds are visible. The cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth and then the cuttings are placed in a mixture of sand and peat or a well-draining soil, burying the lower third of the cutting in the medium. The top of the cutting should be left exposed to the air, and the medium kept moist but not waterlogged until roots develop, which can take several months. Once rooted, the new plants can be potted up or transferred to a nursery bed until they are established enough to be planted in their final location.
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