Corylus avellana ‘Red Majestic’, commonly known as Red Majestic Filbert, is a highly ornamental deciduous shrub or small tree developed for its unique combination of contorted form and striking foliage colour. It is a cultivated form of the corkscrew hazel, Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’, bred in Germany by Rolf de Vries and granted a US Plant Patent (PP16,048) in 2005.
One of its most distinctive features is the growth habit. Like its corkscrew hazel parent, ‘Red Majestic’ displays twisted, spiralling branches that create an architectural effect, particularly noticeable during the winter months when the plant is bare of leaves. This gnarled and sculptural form gives the plant year-round interest and makes it an exceptional choice for garden design.
The foliage is equally spectacular. In spring, the leaves emerge a rich red-purple, providing a dramatic burst of colour. As the season progresses, the foliage shifts to reddish-green during the summer months before turning deep burgundy again in autumn. This continual transformation ensures the tree remains eye-catching across multiple seasons.
In addition to its foliage, ‘Red Majestic’ produces decorative burgundy catkins in early spring. These long, pendulous flowers enhance its ornamental appeal and add another layer of seasonal beauty before the leaves unfold.
Growing to around 2.5–3 metres in height and spread after ten years, it is compact and well-suited for gardens of many sizes. Its relatively modest growth makes it perfect for borders, courtyards, or as a standalone specimen tree where its twisted form and bold colouring can be fully appreciated.
Caring for Corylus ‘Red Majestic’ is straightforward. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and performs best in well-drained, moist soils that are neutral to alkaline. Regular watering during dry spells will help maintain healthy growth, particularly in its early years. Once established, the plant is hardy, low-maintenance, and resilient, with minimal pruning required — only to remove any unwanted straight shoots (reversions) to preserve its twisted form.
This cultivar is valued not only for its ornamental attributes but also for its ability to provide structural and seasonal interest in garden design. In winter, the bare contorted branches are decorative in their own right, while in spring and summer the red-purple foliage contrasts beautifully with surrounding greenery. Autumn brings another burst of colour before the tree once again highlights its sculptural form.
Overall, Corylus avellana ‘Red Majestic’ is an outstanding ornamental tree, offering a blend of unique texture, bold colour, and structural character. Whether planted as a specimen, within a mixed border, or in smaller gardens where its compact size is an advantage, it brings year-round appeal and elegance.
The Corylus ave Red Majestic Tree is a compact ornamental hazel with a distinctive, twisted growth habit. After ten years, it generally reaches 2.5–3 metres in both height and spread, making it a medium-sized specimen well-suited to smaller gardens and borders.
Its spiralling, contorted branches provide dramatic winter interest, creating a sculptural focal point even when the tree is bare. In early spring, pendulous burgundy catkins appear, adding colour before the foliage emerges. The leaves unfurl in spring with a vivid red-purple tone, shift to reddish-green through summer, and deepen again to burgundy in autumn, providing seasonal transformations that ensure year-round beauty.
Its manageable size, coupled with its striking form and colour, make it ideal as a feature plant. Whether used in traditional or contemporary settings, its unique structure guarantees lasting impact in any landscape.
