shrub RHS Award

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick

Name: Harry Lauder's Walking Stick
Brand: Corylus
Availability: InStock

Corylus avellana 'Contorta'

$119.17

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Deciduous shrub, 20-40 years

Native To

Europe, Western Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Corylus avellana, the common hazel, is a large, deciduous shrub or small tree that produces long, yellow catkins in late winter and edible hazelnuts in fall. 'Contorta' is a unique cultivar prized for its dramatically twisted and contorted branches, providing outstanding architectural interest, especially after leaves drop in winter.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Its primary value is its incredible architectural form. The gnarled, twisting branches create a living sculpture in the landscape, providing unparalleled interest during the winter months when other plants are dormant.

The cut branches are highly prized by florists for use in dramatic arrangements and winter decorations. It serves as a fantastic focal point in small gardens or large containers.

The early catkins provide a pollen source for bees on warm winter days. While it rarely produces nuts, any that form can be a food source for squirrels and other wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$119.17

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun to part shade and well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the container.
Position the plant so the graft union is above the soil line.
Backfill the hole with soil, firming it gently.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
Mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Prune out any straight suckers from the rootstock immediately, as they will outcompete the contorted top growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry periods.
Remove suckers from the base as soon as they appear.
Site the plant where its winter silhouette can be appreciated.
Prune out any dead or rubbing branches in late winter.

Don't

Do not bury the graft union when planting.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Don't allow suckers from the rootstock to grow and take over.
Avoid planting in heavy, waterlogged clay soil.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Dramatic winter interest specimenArchitectural focal point in mixed bordersSource of unique branches for floral arrangements

Companion Plants

Helleborus niger Galanthus nivalis Cornus sericea 'Flaviramea' Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' Eranthis hyemalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick questions

What zones can Harry Lauder's Walking Stick grow in?

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Harry Lauder's Walking Stick deer resistant?

Yes — Harry Lauder's Walking Stick is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Harry Lauder's Walking Stick bloom?

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick typically blooms in late winter through early spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Harry Lauder's Walking Stick need full sun?

Harry Lauder's Walking Stick does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.