Plant Patent #16,048. Whoever imagined planting Corylus for its foliage? And yet that's exactly the merit of this exciting new introduction from Germany. Red Majestic® offers deep purple leaves in spring, reddish-green in summer, and brilliant burnt-umber/burgundy in autumn! And all of this is in addition to its winter season of glory, with corkscrew-twisty bare stems!A splendid addition to the sunny to partly shaded garden, this tree is low and somewhat spreading, about 10 to 12 feet high and wide. The branches point upwards, curling and twisting at every turn, with a mass of secondary branching that makes excellent filler for indoor arrangements. It forms a brilliant silhouette in the winter landscape, its twisty branches showing to beautiful effect against a backdrop of sky, snow, or a solid wall of contrasting color. (Brick makes a fine backdrop, as do painted wooden fences.)
The foliage has an interesting look as well as appealing color. The leaves are slightly wrinkled and crimped, as if all the moisture had been removed from them, and turn every which way for a lively display. Wonderfully showy among green-leafed shrubs and trees, Red Majestic® is a standout.
In late autumn, purple catkins arise on the stems, adding yet another season of beauty to this remarkable tree. They are also fine additions to bouquets and centerpieces, and quite long-lasting.
Space these trees about 12 to 15 feet apart so that the full silhouette is revealed when the foliage falls. Zones 3-8.
