Overview

Corylus maxima 'Purpurea' (F) is a bushy shrubs in the genus Corylus, part of the Betulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 4-8 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Corylus maxima 'Purpurea' (F) grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and hedging and screens.

About

Corylus maxima 'Purpurea' (purple-leaved filbert) is a deciduous shrub belonging to the hazel genus Corylus, part of the birch family Betulaceae. It grows bushily to a height of 4 to 8 metres with a spread of 2.5 to 4 metres, reaching full size in 10 to 20 years. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and tolerates a variety of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, preferring moist but well-drained conditions. It is low maintenance and offers seasonal interest in both spring and winter.

About the genus

Hazels are plants of the genus Corylus of deciduous trees and large shrubs native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere. The genus is usually placed in the birch family, Betulaceae, though some botanists split the hazels into a separate family Corylaceae. The fruit of the hazel is the hazelnut.

Wikipedia contributors, "Hazel", CC BY-SA 4.0Hazel

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Corylus

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

Plant details

Corylus maxima 'Purpurea' (F) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Hedging and screens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Corylus maxima 'Purpurea' (F)

Propagation
Seed, Layering, Stooling, Removing rooted suckers
Pest resistance
Caterpillars, Gall mites, Aphids, Sawflies
Disease resistance
Honey fungus, Silver leaf, Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Corylus maxima 'Purpurea' (F)?

Corylus maxima 'Purpurea' (F) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Corylus maxima 'Purpurea' (F) need?

Corylus maxima 'Purpurea' (F) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.

How big does Corylus maxima 'Purpurea' (F) grow?

Corylus maxima 'Purpurea' (F) reaches a height of 4-8 metres and a spread of 2.5-4 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.

Is Corylus maxima 'Purpurea' (F) hardy in the UK?

Corylus maxima 'Purpurea' (F) has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.

How do I propagate Corylus maxima 'Purpurea' (F)?

Seed, Layering, Stooling, Removing rooted suckers.