Corylus maxima ‘Purpurea’ is a robust shrub. It is also known as the Purple Filbert, and it provides a lot of seasonal interest. It is an excellent specimen plant for a cottage garden or woodland area. Its golden-yellow catkins drip from bare branches. This starts in February and creates lovely silhouettes in the winter borders. The purple, heart-shaped foliage adds a splash of colour as the spring progresses, and tubular husks form to surround the edible nuts. This deciduous variety, like all hazelnuts with coloured foliage, thrives best when grown in full sun. Height: 6m (20’). Spread: 5m (16’).
Growing Information
Grow Hazel plants in any fertile, well drained soil in full sun or semi-shade. Varieties with coloured foliage will be at thjeir best when grown in full sun. Corylus tolerates alkaline soils well, making it useful in chalky areas.
