Plant of the week: Contorta
The corkscrew hazel, Corylus avellana '˜Contorta', is one of those shrubs which will always catch the eye.
In early spring, yellow catkins hang on the twisted shoots before making way for equally twisted leaves.
It makes a lovely specimen plant, and thrives in a sunny spot and decent soil.
To keep it looking good, remove any suckers which appear at the base. In winter, prune carefully if necessary. There’s also a purple variety – C maxima ‘Purpurea’.