Corkscrew Hazel or Twisted Hazel

Hello

I wonder if you can help me at all................. I just bought a Twisted Hazel, and i need to know about pruning! I have been told that you prune out any straight stems. Is this true??
Also how far back do I prune it and what time of year??????????

Thanks
Mark

Yes, prune away any straight stems. They curl because they don't have the gene fir straight stems. If by accident it does make a straight one, CUT it!!!
In winter you can prune it back to the shape you like. It may not have as many catkins as you like, but pruning won't hurt it.
You can also prune out the overcrowded middle if you like, so the bush is less bushy in the middle.
Christie

This message was edited Aug 28, 2007 1:14 PM

Hi Christie

Thaqnk you very much for that............. I didn't really know what to do with it.
Do the straight ones not go twisted at all then?????

How far back can it be pruned ?????

Thanks
Mark

Straight stems do not curl. The curling and twisting occur as the stems grow, not after.

FYI, other than rogueing the straight ones, there is no particular reason why the hazel must be pruned. But pruning to contain size or shaping, or whatever is not detrimental. Try not to prune more than a quarter of the plant off at any one time, but you could prune more than once a year, if the second pruning is during the growing season. And another FYI, straight sticks will never produce offshoots of curly-contorted.

The twisted stems are grafted on a rootstock of normal hazel - any sprouts that come from below the graft are straight. They are therefore genetically different to the twisted stems, and can't ever take on their character.

Resin

Thanks guys

I didn't even know it was grafted................. well you live and learn don't you!!! Its something i have never had before. Went to a nursery over the weekend because they were having a big sale. The Hazel was one sale for £3.99 or $8 ish. Very nice size one too, but as always with those places, not very well looked after.
There are 2 or 3 quite large stems on it that are not twisted but then ALSO NOT QUITE STRAIGHT and i didn't know wether to cut them out or leave them............. thats why i came on here.
Anyway, thank you very much for the advice all of you

Mark

Want some more advice? I think, personally, that the summery leaves are quite ugly. My husband showed he shares my opinion; " Are you not watering this one? It looks like it needs it badly."
Therefor, I have a clematis growing through it. They are light enough not to pull down the plant, and they make a lovely flower all wrapped up.
Christie

An excellent idea, Christie. And I must say, the distorted leaves are not the most beautiful to me either, but the winter interested sure makes up for it.

Must admit, if I was given one of them, I'd prune out the twisty stems, and keep the straight ones ;-)

I have one for winter appeal too! So if you don't like the twisted stems; burry it a foot deep and voila, straight on it goes!

But then that defeats the object of buying a Twisted one, doesn't it.......??
I love the twisted stems............... not so keen on the twisted leaves though, but hey, it will be interesting!!

That suggestion was merely for the people who are given one and don't like them,like our Resin.
Christie

Oh well, i have now pruned out the straight stems and am left now ith 2 large twisted stems........ hope i haven't signed its death warrant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christie
I know.............. LOL

No, it will be fine. It'll come back fuller, don't worry!
Christie

Mr Crocosmia,
I hope you enjoy your Harry Lauder's Walking Stick, crinkled leaves and all. I kind of like the crinkled leaves and dense shape it takes in leaf. Mine has an eerie huge animal look.

Christie....................... hope you are right!! LOL
What sort of pear is that???? Looks nice...................



Sempervirens............................ I think its a cool shrub, very different!! I have seen them before but never really bothered to get one until now.
I see what you mean about it being an eerie animal shape!!