Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick

 

Every winter garden must have one Harry Lauder’s walking stick, Corylus avellana ‘Contorta.’ The contorted cultivar of a European hazelnut was first found growing in an English hedgerow in the mid–1880s.

The dramatic multistemmed deciduous flowering shrub is meant to be featured as a solo specimen. The shrub’s artistic form is best revealed after the leaves are shed in autumn. Male and female flowers appear on the same shrub in late winter. Female flowers are inconspicuous, but the pendant yellow male catkins dangle decoratively from the twisted branches adding winter value.

In spring heart– shaped green crepe paper cr inkly leaves form a mounded appearance over summer. Foliage turns yellow in autumn.

Although the species is grown for nut production, the cultivar does not produce nuts.

Gardeners in hardi- ness zones 4– 8 site the shrub in a prominent sunny well–drained location where its sculptural qualities can be admired. The shrub grows to a mature height of 8–10 feet, although some 20 foot specimens exist.

‘Contorta’ specimen in the Three Bears Homestead at the Carolina Children’s Garden

The shrub has no serious insect or disease problems. Aphids, spider mites, and leaf hoppers are minor nuisances. Susceptibility to crown gall, blight, and leaf spot is noted. The shrub has been found to be tolerant of air pollution and does well in urban settings. Under the best conditions ‘Contorta’ has a 30– year lifespan.

Michael Dirr, horticulturist at the University of Georgia, recommends buying plants on their own rootstocks to avoid suckering from grafted specimens. ‘Contorta’ may be obtained locally at Cooper’s Nursery, Wingard’s Nursery, and Woodley’s Garden Center. Wayside Gardens at wayside.com is the nearest mail– order source.

Three cultivars were introduced with additional ornamental features. ‘Red Majestic’ brings a deeppurple leaf color in spring and a red flush to new summer foliage.

Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick is a large sculptural shrub.

‘Pendant’ has a weeping growth habit. ‘Aurea’ produces cream colored catkins and golden leaves that turn green with the heat of summer.

The Harry Lauder’s walking stick at Three Bears Homestead in the Carolina Children’s Garden has been in the ground for at least 15 years and is a model for public viewing.

Gardening neighbors in nearby Greenville, Charlotte, and Asheville have more frequent occasions to see the shrubs striking silhouette contrasted against a backdrop of snow.

Those interested can clip branches and take the charming ‘Contorta’ conversation piece indoors for attractive arrangements.

Catkins turn brown and may remain on the branches throughout the year.

Mature shrubs get 10 feet in height and width.