Smart Feeder - Light sensor values

[Vikki56]

Bought a corylus called 'Red Majestic' as I fell in love with it at the garden center. The little card that came with it said its supposed to have leaves on most of the year (when I got it there were sort of catkins) anyway now there doesn't seem to be anything. Its in quite bright sunlight & is watered when the rest of the garden is. I usually go by the leave nature alone to get on with it approach to gardening but getting a bit worried now. Anyone else got one? Any tips?

 

Thank you,

 

Vikki

[Daphne]

I have an ordinary, not contorted, red hazel but it was a bit miffy for its first year or two. Mine is in a sunny but very sheltered spot and I can't remember what I did watering wise, but given the rain this year I can't think yours is underwatered, unless its in a pot

 

Losing leaves is often a sign of stress, so I suppose you should check its not being eaten by anything, and it does have enough moisture. Did you give it any slow release fertilizer in the planting hole - if not then perhaps apply some in early Spring as it starts into growth. My understanding is that hazels are as tough as old boots, but I presume the contorta varieties are more highly bred and therefore possibly a bit slow to establish and get going. Like you, I belong to the leave well alone school of gardening, so I'd be tempted to monitor it, see how it gets through winter, feed and see what happens next year.

[Vikki56]

Excellent, thanks Daphne, I did give it a bit of a feed when I put it in, although I guess that could have leached out. I'll try a bit more. Thank you! Vikki x