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Hello there all,
was talking to someone yesterday about getting a shrub up the lot and they said that a twisted beech or hazel would be good.

Anyone have any idea how to get one?

Thanks all

It would be Contorted Willow :)

hazel contorta, you should be able to get it at a garden center

I've got one in my garden - Corylus Avellana Contorta, Contorted Hazel or Harry Lauder's Walking Stick.  Very attractive, has catkins too. 

You can also get a contorted willow.  If you can find someone who has one and take a cutting, it will usually grow if you just push it into the earth.

If you get one, cut out any shoots that grow straight or eventually it will revert, a bit like variegateds.

Quote from: ceres on April 01, 2008, 00:16:40


If you get one, cut out any shoots that grow straight or eventually it will revert, a bit like variegateds.

i didnt know that, will have to keep my eye on that

I got mine from Morrisons a few weeks ago :)

I used to have two in huge planters one either side of the front door  :)   the dog loved them yum yum he thought and demolished both inside twenty mins :'(

I purchased a twisted Hazel from Morrisons last year and its growing extremely well.  Our local Morrisons still has some in, they are £8.99.  I also have a 'red leaf' Hazel which is just coming into leaf.
Also have a twisted Willow, grown from a shoot just pushed into the ground, very easy to establish and it grows quickly.

Woolworths have twisted willows for about £2.50 each amongst their ornamental trees they may have the hazels as well but as I don't pay much attention to the ornamental trees I can't be sure.