This unusual evergreen shrub grows to 6m (20ft) tall and 5m (16ft) wide, producing striking twisted stems and clusters of long yellow catkins at the end of winter.
Its female flowers look like tiny red sea anemones and it thrives in a sunny or semi-shaded spot in well-drained, fertile soil.
Both yellow and purple-leaved varieties are available, although it is usually chosen for its unusual branches rather than its foliage.
Try C. avellana 'Aurea', a yellow-leaved variety, grown next to C. maxima 'Purpurea', which bears purple catkins, nuts and leaves.
