About

Corylus avellana 'Red Majestic' is a small tree with a compact growth habit that features spreading to semi-weeping branches. Its foliage starts as dark purple, transitioning to green with a hint of purple as the season advances. In late winter, it produces purplish-pink catkins that add interest to the landscape.

About the genus

Corylus comprises deciduous trees and sizable shrubs featuring wide leaves. In early spring, they produce prominent male catkins, which are succeeded by edible nuts.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, East-facing, South-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs, Trees
Habit
Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow

Care notes

Cultivation
Tolerant of most soil types as long as well-drained; does well on chalky soils. For best leaf colour position in full sun
Pruning
Pruning group 1 or pruning group 7
Propagation
Propagate by layering or by grafting
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to caterpillars, gall mites, aphids and sawflies. Squirrels like to feed on the nuts
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus, silver leaf and Powdery mildews