Filbert (Corylus spp.), also called hazel or hazelnut, is a fantastic shrub for the back of a border because of its easy-growing nature and tolerance to some shade. One of the few woody plants in and around prairies, filbert spreads slowly to form colonies while providing habitat and food for wildlife.
In the spring, filbert shrubs produce clusters of bright yellow catkins, making this easy-care plant a great companion for spring-flowering bulbs. By fall, the large round leaves turn yellow or orange before dropping, revealing the shrub’s beautiful branching habit. All the shrubs in the Corylus genus produce edible nuts.
The three most common Corylus species in cultivation are the common hazel (Corylus avellana), the filbert (Corylus maxima), and the American hazelnut (Corylus americana). Both the common hazel and the filbert are native to Europe and Asia.
Filbert Overview
Where to Plant Filbert
Plant filbert shrubs in USDA Zones 4-9. The plant grows best in full sun and well-draining soil. Plant it in the back of a garden border or combine filbert with native shrubs and trees to create a wildlife-friendly border or screen. Spread a 3- to 4-inch-thick layer of bark mulch around the plants to create a large, nearly maintenance-free bed.
How and When to Plant Filbert
Plant nursery-grown plants in spring. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and position the plant in the hole at the same depth as it was in the nursery container. Backfill the hole, pressing down with your hands to remove air bubbles, and then water the plant. If you are planting several filberts as a border, space them 10-12 feet apart. Continue to water the plants weekly for the first two months after planting.
Purchased filbert seeds are best sown in the fall as they need to go through cold stratification. Sow the seeds outside covered with 1 inch of garden soil. Germination takes months, but scarifying the seeds (scoring them with a file) speeds up the process. Cover the seed bed with a thick layer of mulch to protect the plants during the winter. Seeds can also be sown in pots and grown in a cold frame for the winter. Wait until the seedlings are 10 inches tall to transplant them outdoors in spring.
Filbert Care Tips
Light
Filbert shrubs grow best in full sun to part shade. As a woodland native, it tolerates part shade well—particularly morning sun followed by afternoon shade.
Soil and Water
Filbert is easy to grow in average, well-drained soil. Water during extended dry periods during the first growing season. Plants rarely need supplemental water after the first growing season.
Temperature and Humidity
After filbert shrubs are established, they are hardy in USDA Zones 4-9. They handle moderate to high humidity well.
Fertilizer
Apply a slow-release granular fertilizer around the plants in fall of their first year. After that, established plants probably won't need any further fertilizer.
Pruning
Filberts don't require regular pruning. As they age, filberts benefit from having some of their oldest, heavy canes cut back to the ground in late winter.
Potting and Repotting
Filbert shrubs can be grown in large containers with average garden soil or potting soil, but as they grow, they should be repotted each year to a slightly larger pot. Eventually, the container will be too heavy to move easily, so position it where you plan to keep it.
Pests and Problems
Even though they are somewhat pest-resistant, the Corylus shrubs attract their share of insects, including aphids, moth caterpillars, and beetles. Birds are particularly fond of the nuts, and if the area supports deer and rabbit populations, some deterrents may be necessary to protect the stems and foliage of the plants.
How to Propagate Filbert
Propagate filbert shrubs by stem cuttings or division.
Division: Cut a filbert shrub into several sections, each with a portion of roots and branches, by cutting straight down through the plant with a sharp spade. Immediately replant the divisions in a prepared location.
Stem Cuttings: Take 10-inch softwood cuttings from current year growth. Remove the foliage from the bottom half of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone. Insert it into a small pot filled with moist potting soil—without scraping off the hormone powder—and firm the soil around the cutting. Mist the cutting and cover the pot with a plastic bag. Keep the pot in a warm area with bright light but no direct sun, and water it as needed until you see new growth, indicating the stem has rooted. Remove the plastic bag. Wait until the seedling reaches 10 inches tall to transplant it outdoors or to a larger container.
Types of Filbert
American Filbert
Corylus americana, also called American hazelnut, is a North American native species that bears edible nuts that attract wildlife. The nuts can be eaten raw or roasted and can be stored for up to one year and used in delicious recipes. It features good fall color and is adaptable to a range of growing conditions. This American filbert grows 15 feet tall and wide. Zones 4-9
Harry Lauder's Walking Stick
JAY WILDE
Corylus avellana 'Contorta' is loved for its twisted and contorted branch form that can be pruned for use in crafts and flower arrangements. Commonly known as Harry Lauder’s walking stick, it is the most popular landscape form of filbert. It has been popular since the 1800s and grows 10 feet tall and wide. Zones 4-8
Purple Hazel
DENNY SCHROCK
Corylus avellana 'Rosita' develops lovely reddish-purple foliage that matures to deep burgundy and green. It is more tree-like than many filberts and grows 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Zones 4-8
Giant Purple Filbert
Corylus maxima 'Purpurea' is a tall shrub (it grows to 16 feet) that can be grown as a many-branched tree. It is resistant to frost and wind. Like 'Rosita,' it has deep red foliage that matures to burgundy mixed with green.
Filbert Companion Plants
When filberts are planted with suitable companion plants, they create a palette of color and texture that lends interest year-round.
Sumac
Sumac (Rhus spp.) produces large flower clusters in spring, followed by brilliantly colored fall foliage in orange, flame red, and burgundy. The flower clusters produce berrylike drupes that turn red in autumn and last well into winter, where they serve as tasty snacks for wildlife. Sumac is highly versatile and can grow in any type of well-drained soil,
Beautyberry
Beautyberry (Callicarpa spp.) gets its name from a gorgeous display of bright purple berries in the fall. The berries hold well into the winter, making a delicious treat for birds. Beautyberry's small flowers are held in tight clusters near the stems, a display that adds subtle charm to the garden in early summer.
Willow
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS
Not all willows (Salix spp.) are big—they come in different shapes, colors, and sizes, making them a popular choice for planting in landscapes. During the fall, willows usually have a greenish-yellow color. In winter, the thin stems and smooth bark offer winter landscape interest.
Dogwood Shrub
Dogwood (Cornus spp.) shrubs offer the characteristics of dogwood trees but on a smaller scale. They have flowers for pollinators and berries for wildlife and provide stunning fall color. They are excellent additions to a mixed shrub border.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which creatures pollinate filbert shrubs?None. These shrubs are wind-pollinated. A single plant is an attractive addition to any garden, but a gardener planning to harvest the nuts should have three to five shrubs for the best production.
None. These shrubs are wind-pollinated. A single plant is an attractive addition to any garden, but a gardener planning to harvest the nuts should have three to five shrubs for the best production.
- How long do filbert shrubs live?They typically live from 30 to 80 years when well cared for, but some have lived longer than 100 years.
They typically live from 30 to 80 years when well cared for, but some have lived longer than 100 years.