Parrotia persica
Persian parrotia, Persian ironwood, Irontree
Also known as Parrotia persicaria
- Height × spread
- 8m × 10m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Winter, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This medium-sized tree is renowned for its colour in autumn, when the leaves become rich crimson and gold, often with a dark rather than a bright presence. There is something especially characteristic about its spreading, round shouldered presence. Older trees have flaking bark resembling that of a plane tree. The bare, interlocking branches provide visual interest in winter. Then, in late winter there are tiny red flowers; tiny brown bracts surround a bunch of red stamens, which is what one notices. The flowers can only be seen when close to the tree. They are a subtle attraction for a winter's day, especially when the sun is shining and they add the softest red glow to the scene. Plan the winter garden to enjoy the exquisite touches of these delights before you are pummelled with the excesses of the summer!
- Flower colour
- Red
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Red-gold
- Stem colour
- Cream, Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 8m
- Spread
- 10m
- Height in 10 years
- 4m
- Spread in 10 years
- 4m
- Season of interest
- Autumn, Winter
- Flowers in
- Winter, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Winter garden
- 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.