Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick, botanically known as Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’, is a deciduous shrub highly valued for its contorted and twisted branches. These gnarled stems create a striking visual appeal, particularly in colder months when the plant sheds its leaves, adding an architectural element to gardens.
Meet Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick
This plant is renowned for its zigzagging branches that provide visual interest, especially in winter. The branches often form a dense, tangled mass, giving the shrub a sculptural quality. In late winter or early spring, before the leaves emerge, the plant displays pendulous, yellowish-brown catkins that add a delicate touch to its rugged appearance. Its leaves are green, rounded, and serrated, sometimes appearing crumpled.
The common name, “Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick,” honors Sir Harry Lauder, a Scottish entertainer from the early 20th century known for carrying a distinctive walking stick. Discovered in an English hedgerow around the mid-1800s, this shrub was named in tribute to his cane. This slow-growing shrub typically reaches a mature height and width of 8 to 10 feet, making it suitable as a specimen plant or a focal point in winter gardens.
Essential Care for Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick
Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth. While it tolerates some shade, reduced light may result in less vigorous growth and sparser foliage. This shrub prefers well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter. It adapts to various soil pH levels, from acidic to slightly alkaline (pH 6.0-7.5), but struggles in dense clay soils that retain too much moisture.
Consistent watering is important, particularly during establishment and dry spells, aiming for about one inch of water per week during the growing season. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Once established, the plant exhibits moderate drought tolerance. Fertilization is not always necessary for mature plants; however, if soil tests indicate a nutrient deficiency, a balanced slow-release granular fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 12-12-12) can be applied in late fall or early spring. Young shrubs may benefit from regular fertilization to encourage growth.
Pruning for Form and Health
Pruning maintains Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick’s contorted shape and overall health. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This timing allows for a clear view of the branch structure without leaves, making it easier to identify and remove unwanted growth.
Pruning primarily involves removing suckers, which are straight shoots that often emerge from the rootstock, especially if grafted. These straight growths can detract from the plant’s twisted form and, if left unchecked, can outcompete and eventually overtake the contorted branches. Additionally, remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and prevent problems. Making clean cuts about 1/8 inch above a leaf bud helps direct energy towards healthy growth.
Growing More and Troubleshooting
Propagating Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick is done using hardwood cuttings taken during the dormant season. Layering, where a branch is pinned to the ground to root, is another method. Success rates can vary.
While a resilient plant, Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick can encounter some issues. It is susceptible to Eastern filbert blight, a fungal disease that causes branches to die back and can eventually kill the plant if not managed. Other problems include powdery mildew, black knot, crown gall, and leaf spot. Pests like aphids, spider mites, and tent caterpillars can also affect the plant. Maintaining proper cultural practices, such as good air circulation through pruning and avoiding overly wet conditions, can help minimize these issues.