Parrotia persica 'Bella'

RHS Plant Profile
Persian ironwood 'Bella'
Trees Shrubs

A small, often multi-stemmed, deciduous tree or shrub slowly reaching 8m. It has red flowers early on bare stems, followed by leaves which emerge red-green. They become glossy green through the summer and then red, yellow and purple in autumn. When mature, it has attractive flaky bark in winter

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
8-12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Hamamelidaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
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
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow 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

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe or softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Architectural
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus