This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: Full sun or partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: Average
• Flowering period: February to March
• Hardiness: Fully hardy


A self-fertile hazelnut, 'Kentish Cob' is widely considered to be the superior UK variety and easiest to grow in the garden. This attractive, tree-like shrub produces a mass of yellow-green catkins in the early spring followed by mid-green, heart-shaped leaves. A heavy crop of cobnuts from September occurs where there is enough sun and shelter to ripen the delicious, edible nuts.


• Garden care: Select a protected spot in sunny or partially shaded areas with damp, slightly acidic, and well-drained soil. Prior to planting, incorporate plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost into the soil. Prune dead, diseased and damaged wood in March and apply a 5-7cm (2-3”) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the base of the plant. Suckers should be removed from the base of the plant as soon as they appear.