About
It has red flowers early on bare stems, followed by leaves which emerge red-green. A small, often multi-stemmed, deciduous tree or shrub. They become glossy green through the summer but retain a red-edge throughout, turning red, yellow and purple in autumn. When mature, it has attractive flaky bark in winter.
About the genus
Parrotia are deciduous trees with broadly ovate leaves which colour well in autumn, and small but abundant red flowers in late winter and early spring
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeTrees, Shrubs
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height8-12 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height20-50 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Architectural
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-ripe or softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus