Corylus avellana 'Fuscorubra'
Purple Leaf European Filbert
Botanical name: Corylus avellana ‘Fuscorubra’
Overview
A colorful ornamental purple-leaf hazelnut valued for its rich burgundy to deep purple foliage that provides strong contrast in mixed plantings. In late winter to early spring, yellow catkins appear before leaf-out, offering subtle seasonal interest. Leaves often deepen in color through summer and may turn reddish or bronze tones in fall. ‘Fuscorubra’ combines ornamental foliage with the classic form and adaptability of European hazel.
Size
Width: 10–15 ft
Height: 10–15 ft
Hardiness
USDA Zones: 4a–8b
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Best foliage color develops in full sun
Soil
Well-drained soils; adaptable to loam or clay
Slightly acidic to neutral pH
Avoid poorly drained sites
Attracts
Pollinators (early catkins)
Suitable Conditions
Performs best in cool to moderate climates
Tolerates urban conditions once established
Allow space for spreading shrub form
Notes
Shape: Large, multi-stemmed shrub with rounded habit
Foliage color provides season-long contrast
May produce edible hazelnuts if pollinated
Useful as specimen, hedge, or screening shrub
Prune as needed to maintain size or shape
- Plant type
- Deciduous Shrub
- Height
- 10-15'
- Width
- 10-15'
- Hardiness zones
- 4–8
- Sunlight
- Full Sun, Partial Shade
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Flower color
- Yellow
- Leaf color
- Rosewood
- Fall color
- Amaranth, Yellow
- Soil
- Clay, Loamy, Moist well-drained
- Shape
- Broad Upright
- Fruit
- Yes
- Deer resistant
- Yes
- Drought tolerant
- No
