Harry Lauder Walking Stick

Just wondering if any of you have this? I planted one in my yard and am hoping it makes it through another of our winters. Any tips or pointers. I love the leaves...they are so crinkly! Except now, they are gone (for winter).

Hi nesandy,
I have had this plant for 4 or 5 years in zone 4a and have not had any trouble with it. One year, a couple of the branch tips died back an inch or two, but that was it.

I, myself, don't like the leaves - they look diseased to me, but the contorted branches are fantastic in the winter!

Is your plant grafted? Most of the plants produced are grafted because it is easier than rooting cuttings (which is very difficult to do). If your plant is grafted be sure to keep all of the "regular" growth pruned out or it will take over the plant. I purchased my plant via mail order and received a rooted cutting (even the roots are contorted) so I don't have to worry about the plant reverting.

Treat like any other shrub in your landscape - water regularly during the first two years after planting or during drought and prune only to shape or remove any dead branches.
Good luck,
Mike

I love mine that I just purchased this year. I even like the leaves but I like things that are different from the norm. I can hardly wait to see it in the winter and to have it grow and fill the area under my oak tree beside my water feature. I am going to try to root cuttings even though I know they are hard to root. They would be nice to plant in other areas of my yard and if I fail then I will just have to buy more Contorted Filberts. Good luck with yours.

I, too, love my contorted filbert. It is now only 2 years in my yard but has grown nicely. (And, I don't like the leaves either.) My best friend had planted one in his yard 3-4 years ago and I just had to have one, LOL! Right now, his is sitting heeled in over in my side yard as he just sold his house and refused to leave it.

I had thought his might be hard to move (just over 5' tall), but other than one very long and strong side root, it came up easily. I hope it survives just in burlap and dug in nicely... and of course, well-mulched.

I got one a few years ago. Here's a few pictures of it. Seems very tough and carefree to me...no special care. The Japanese beetles seem to enjoy the leaves though :(

Oops...double post of this one!

This message was edited Wednesday, Nov 13th 7:37 PM

Picture 2 of catkins

Picture 3

Hi hczone6,
Thanks so much for the neat photos. Both leaves and without. Unless they grow fast, mine will have a way to go before it gets to that stage. Just have to see if it makes it through a second winter here. Yours looks fabulous!

I have found a few sources that state that contorted filbert is hardy to zone 4. Good luck with your plant.