Parrotia persica 'Vanessa'
Persian parrotia, Persian ironwood, Irontree
- Height × spread
- 12m × 9m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Winter, Spring, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This has a more upright habit than the species which means it is more suited to formal planting - such as in avenues. The tree is primarily grown for its beautiful and long-lasting autumn colour. The leaves take on rich and burnished shades of red, yellow and orange. The colour can be a feature for two months. The leaves are long and have a subtle lustre. They are coloured dark green and are somewhat wavy in appearance. A mature tree develops a grey and purple mottled trunk that is a pleasing feature. The flowers have their own subtle appeal. They are produced well before the leaves appear, during February and March. The flowers consist of red anthers, so the tree has a subtle red haze. The tree has spreading roots that lie near the surface. This can affect anything planted in its vicinity since the soil is likely to be dry. Paved areas could be a problem.
- Flower colour
- Red
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Red-orange
- Stem colour
- Grey, Purple
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Cone
- Height
- 12m
- Spread
- 9m
- Height in 10 years
- 5m
- Spread in 10 years
- 6m
- Season of interest
- Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Winter, Spring, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Screening, Architectural
- Deer
- May be damaged by deer when young
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring-Autumn · Planting
Prune to maintain young trees
While it is still possible to safely reach up and into the tree, remove dead or damaged foliage, and crossing or misplaced branches in early spring while the plant is still dormant.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.
Compost · Planting
Ericaceous compost
This plant requires acidic (ericaceous) soil. Where the soil is not acidic, or when planting in pots, use an ericaceous compost.