Fertilize with Holly-tone or Plant-tone approximately April 1st, May 20th, July 4th, August 15th & October 30th. Keep granular fertilizers off foliage and away from stems and trunks. Use 1/2 the recommended rate of fertilizer for new plantings. 1
Periodic thinning may help accentuate the contorted form.3
Position in a partial sun location and remember to water moderately. Contorta tends to grow best in a soil ph of between 6.8 and 7.7 meaning it does best in weakly acidic soil - weakly alkaline soil.According to Adele Kleine of “Flower and Garden Magazine,” the shrub’s “appealing common name derives from the old Scottish comedian Harry Lauder who performed using a crooked branch as a cane.” 2
Corkscrew hazel, Twisted filbert, Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick, corkscrew hazelnut