About
Parrotia persica, the Persian ironwood, is a wide-spreading, often multi-stemmed, deciduous tree or large shrub to 8 m with attractive flaking bark. Small, crimson flowers appear on bare twigs in late winter and early spring. Leaves turn yellow, orange, red and purple in an outstanding autumn display. One of the finest small trees for autumn colour and attractive bark.
About the genus
Parrotia are deciduous trees with broadly ovate leaves that colour brilliantly in autumn and small, tufted, red flowers appearing on bare branches in late winter and early spring. Grown as specimen trees for autumn colour and ornamental bark.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesArchitectural
Native toN Iran to Caucasus
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a well-drained or moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade; well suited to an open woodland setting. For more advice see tree cultivation
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by semi-hardwood or softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus