Common Hazel

How to grow Common Hazel

Written by the GardenDecoded editorial team · Last reviewed 21 July 2026 · Written for UK gardens · How we research our guidance

Planting

Plant bare-root whips between November and March - they are cheap and establish better than pot-grown plants. Space at 45-60 cm in a hedge. It will reach 6 m or more if left alone, so allow room or plan to coppice.

Pruning

Coppice on a cycle of roughly five to eight years, cutting stems to the base in winter to produce straight poles and vigorous regrowth. For a hedge, lay or trim in winter. Any pruning is best done in late winter, before the sap rises.

Propagation

Layering in autumn, or seed - sow fresh nuts outdoors in autumn and protect them from mice. Suckers can be detached from the base of established plants.

Pests and diseases

Nuts are taken by grey squirrels, usually before they ripen, which in most gardens means you never get a crop. Hazel gall mite causes 'big bud' but does little real harm.

Value to wildlife

One of the best native plants for a garden: catkins provide very early pollen, the nuts feed dormice, squirrels and woodland birds, and coppiced stools support a wide range of invertebrates. Leaves are a foodplant for several moth species.

Notes

The yellow catkins in January and February are the male flowers; the tiny red female flowers on the same plant are easy to miss. Two or more plants improve nut set. Coppiced poles are useful for pea sticks and plant supports.

This guidance was researched and written by GardenDecoded — see our editorial policy for how guides are checked and reviewed.

Other names for this plant

These names have all been used for Corylus avellana but are no longer the accepted name. You may still meet them on old labels, in books, or in nursery catalogues.

Others in Corylus