Parrotia persica
Harlow Carr is home to several Parrotia persica; the best one can be found at the back of the main borders. The species is at its glorious best in October as its ovate leaves turn the most brilliant hues: reds, purples, oranges and yellows all at the same time.
Vital statistics
- Common name
- Persian ironwood
- Family
- Hamamelidaceae
- Height & spread
- 8m (25ft) x 10m (30ft)
- Form
- Deciduous tree
- Soil
- Deep, fertile, well-drained, acid
- Aspect
- Full sun or partial shade
- Hardiness
- Fully hardy, but flower buds may be damaged by harsh frosts
Parrotia
This is a single species genus of deciduous tree found in forests of the Caucasus and North Iran. The genus was named for F W Parrot (1792-1841), a German naturalist and traveller.
Parrotia persica
Parrotia persica is a large garden tree and not for a small area; but can look very stately in the right setting. This is a dense, spreading, short-trunked tree or large multi-stemmed shrub with peeling grey and fawn bark (when mature) that gives good winter interest. The name persica means Persian, after its country of origin (Iran was known in the West as Persia until 1935).
The rich-green leaves are simple and alternate. They colour attractively in autumn, turning yellow, orange and red-purple.
The flowers have no petals, but bright red stamens, borne in dense, spherical clusters, 1cm (0.5in) across, along the branches in late winter and early spring, before the leaves appear.
Although fully hardy, the buds may be damaged by harsh frosts.
Cultivation
- Grow in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full-sun or partial shade. Acid soil gives the best autumn colour. Prune only to maintain a healthy framework by removing wayward or crossing shoots, in late winter or early spring.
Propagation
• Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn. Take greenwood cuttings in early summer or semi-ripe cuttings in mid- or late summer.
• Generally free from pests and diseases.
AGM
The RHS Woody Plant Committee awarded Parrotia persica an Award of Garden Merit and described it as:
'Wide-spreading, often multi-stemmed deciduous tree or large shrub to 8m, with attractive flaking bark. Leaves turn yellow, red and purple in autumn. Small crimson flowers on bare twigs.'