About

Corylus maxima 'Red Filbert' is a small tree or large shrub that features burgundy to purple leaves in spring, transitioning to dark green as summer approaches. In late winter, it produces purplish-pink catkins, which are succeeded by edible red nuts in the fall.

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
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

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

Care notes

Cultivation
Tolerant of most soil types as long as well-drained; grows well in chalky soils. For best leaf colour and fruit production grow in sunny position. For fruit production see cobnuts and filberts
Pruning
Pruning group 1 or pruning group 7
Propagation
Propagate by grafting or by layering
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