Corylus avellana Agnieszka - Common Hazel

Corylus avellana 'Agnieszka' is a deciduous bush that can reach a height of 2 to 3 m (7 to 10ft). It has variegated foliage, consisting of green leaves with wide cream or yellow variegation. It is highly decorative and offers many possibilities for use in the garden. Whether planted alone, integrated into a colourful hedge, or combined with evergreen or flowering shrubs, it adds an original touch. In late summer, pendulous male flowers, which are very decorative, can be seen. However, it produces very few or no hazelnuts at all. It is best to plant it in a sheltered spot away from the harsh sun. A rarity and a must-have for lovers of variegated plants!

The Corylus avellana, more commonly known as Hazel or Filbert, belongs to the Betulaceae family, along with birch, hornbeam, and alder. It is native to temperate areas of the northern hemisphere and is found throughout most of our metropolitan territory, although it seems to be declining in the south due to global warming. It is a small monoecious fruit tree, with separate male and female inflorescences on the same individual. The genus name, Corylus, is believed to derive from the Greek word Korus, which means helmet, referring to the shape of the capsule that surrounds the hazelnut. The species name, avellana, is derived from the name of the city of Avellino, located in the heart of the mountainous region of Avellino, Italy, a region famous for its hazelnuts.

The 'Agnieszka' variety was obtained by Sławomir Skórka in the late 1990s, in Poland. It forms a rounded, bushy clump composed of numerous shoots originating from the same stump, reaching a height and spread of 2 to 3 m (7 to 10ft) at maturity. Its growth is normal. The young one-year-old twigs are hairy, rough, brown to olive green in colour, and as they age, the bark becomes smooth, brown, and mottled with whitish spots. The deciduous foliage is very dense and appears late in late April-early May. The leaves are alternate, petiolate, 6 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) long, rounded, pointed at the apex and heart-shaped at the base, toothed and slightly lobed, with rough hairs on both sides and strongly veined. At bud burst, the leaves are violet or greenish-violet, and then they turn green with irregular white or yellow spots or streaks, some entirely green. The hazel is a monoecious species, the male and female flowers are borne on the same plant, and the pollen is carried by the wind. They do not flower at the same time, which limits or even prevents internal fertilization. More efficient pollination occurs when multiple individuals are present, possibly of different varieties. It flowers very early in the year, with the male flowers, which form in the previous summer, blooming in February-March, in the form of decorative, pendulous yellow catkins, measuring 4 cm (2in) in length. The female flowers are more discreet in March-April, in the form of a bud measuring 6 to 8 mm (1in), partially concealing bright red stigmas. Hzelnuts form on one-year-old shoots which start white and then become light brown at maturity. Grouped in 1 to 4, they measure 1 to 1.5 cm (1in) in length and ripen around late August-early September. For the 'Agnieszka' variety, the fruits are very rare.

The Variegated Hazel is a robust and cold-resistant shrub variety, withstanding winter temperatures down to -26C°. Its colourful foliage and elegant silhouette make it a unique element in the landscape. It is best planted in fertile, well-drained soil, slightly acidic or alkaline, not in heavy and wet soil. It requires a semi-shaded or bright location, without direct sunlight that could burn its leaves. Not too much shade, however, as it would reduce the variegation of the leaves. Avoid stagnant water and excessive heat, which could be detrimental to it. It can adapt to small gardens and will bring refinement and elegance to your space, whether planted alone or in a mass planting, mixed with other varieties. Durable and without a tendency to degenerate, it is a pleasant option for your garden.