This new selection is the only red leafed or contorted hazel with complete resistance to eastern filbert blight. Burgundy red catkin flowers in late winter on the twisted, contorted branches have a very distinct appearance. New branch growth is dark red as is the foliage, and later in summer, the nut husks are also red, contrasting nicely with the late summer bronze foliage color. On its own roots, can be grown as a multistemmed shrub or as a dwarf tree. Red Dragon Contorted Hazelnut is blight immune, unlike the older contorted hazelnuts with green leaves and yellow flowers that were quite susceptible to blight. Zone 4-9. Patented.
ZONE: 4-9
POLLINATION/BLOOM TIME: Needs pollinator for anything more than a few nuts. Will pollinate with most commercial hazelnuts, including Jefferson.
RECOMMENDED GROWING AND CARE:
Full sun, balanced moisture, mildly acidic soils and good drainage. Can be trained as standard with single stem, or allowed to grow as bush and sucker freely.
CHILL HOURS: Medium-high: 800 - 1000 hours below 45F
DISEASE RESISTANCE: Excellent. Blight resistant, unlike the older contorted hazelnut with green leaves and yellow flowers, which was quite susceptible to blight.
SIZE AT MATURITY: To 5-8' x 4'