shrub

Red Dragon Contorted Filbert

Corylus avellana 'Red Dragon'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

96 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 known for its edible nuts and long, pendulous male catkins that appear in late winter. 'Red Dragon' is a unique cultivar featuring dramatic, twisted branches and rich burgundy-red foliage that holds its color well through summer. It is also highly resistant to Eastern Filbert Blight.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides outstanding four-season interest with its twisting, sculptural branches in winter, long catkins in spring, and deep red foliage through summer and fall. It's a living sculpture for the garden.

The contorted branches are highly prized by florists for use in arrangements, both fresh and dried. The shrub's dense form can serve as an informal, artistic hedge or screen.

The early catkins provide a pollen source for bees on warm winter days. If it produces nuts, they are a food source for squirrels, jays, and other wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun to part shade and good air circulation.
Amend soil with compost to ensure good drainage and fertility.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
Set the plant in the hole, with the top of the root ball level with the soil.
Backfill with soil, firming it gently around the roots.
Water deeply after planting and mulch to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

For the best red foliage color, plant in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
Mulch around the base to keep roots cool and retain water.
Prune out any straight, non-contorted branches that may emerge.
Remove root suckers promptly to maintain the plant's form.

Don't

Do not plant in waterlogged or compacted soil.
Avoid heavy pruning, as this can spoil its natural architectural form.
Don't allow the soil to completely dry out.
Avoid overhead watering to minimize fungal disease risk.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Dramatic winter interest specimenStriking foliage accent in mixed bordersUnique container plant for patios

Companion Plants

Heuchera 'Palace Purple' Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' Sedum 'Autumn Joy' Carex oshimensis 'Evergold' Galanthus nivalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red Dragon Contorted Filbert questions

What zones can Red Dragon Contorted Filbert grow in?

Red Dragon Contorted Filbert 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 Red Dragon Contorted Filbert deer resistant?

Yes — Red Dragon Contorted Filbert is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Red Dragon Contorted Filbert bloom?

Red Dragon Contorted Filbert 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 Red Dragon Contorted Filbert need full sun?

Red Dragon Contorted Filbert does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.