Corkscrew hazel and rootstock problems
The corkscrew hazel, also known as Harry Lauder’s walking stick (Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’), is a deciduous shrub that is known for its twisted and contorted stems. This unique feature is due to a genetic mutation that affects the plant’s growth.
The mutation causes the stems of the corkscrew hazel to grow in a twisting and spiraling pattern instead of the usual straight growth of most plants. This gives the plant its distinctive twisted appearance, which makes it a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
The twisting stems of the corkscrew hazel are not only visually interesting, but they also serve a practical purpose. The twisted growth pattern helps to make the plant more compact, which can be helpful in smaller garden spaces. Additionally, the twisted stems can be used in floral arrangements and other decorative applications.
In summary, the twister stems of the corkscrew hazel are a unique feature that results from a genetic mutation, and they serve both an ornamental and practical purpose in garden and landscape design.
In your case the corkscrew hazel has been produced by grafting a stem of a corkscrew hazel onto a normal or straight stemmed hazel.
If you have a corkscrew hazel that has been grafted onto a straight hazel root stock, and the root stock has started to send out shoots from the base, you will need to take action to prevent the root stock from taking over and turning the tree into a straight hazel.
Here are some steps you can take:
- Prune the shoots: Regularly prune any shoots that come out of the base of the tree as soon as you see them. You should remove these shoots as close to the base of the tree as possible.
- Keep the graft union clean: Keep the area around the graft union clean by removing any suckers or shoots that appear. This will prevent the rootstock from taking over.
- Fertilize the tree: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again in early summer to promote healthy growth and help the corkscrew hazel tree to outcompete the rootstock.
- Water the tree: Make sure the tree receives adequate water during dry spells, as this will help it stay healthy and compete with the rootstock.
- Consider regrafting: If the rootstock continues to produce shoots and the tree is becoming more like a straight hazel, you may need to consider regrafting the corkscrew hazel onto a new rootstock. This should be done by a professional or experienced gardener, as it requires specific techniques to ensure a successful graft.
With regular pruning and care, you can help your corkscrew hazel thrive and maintain its unique corkscrew shape, even if it is grafted onto a straight hazel rootstock.