Parrotia persica Persian Spire ('Jlpn01'PBR)

RHS Plant Profile
Persian ironwood [Persian Spire]

Synonyms

Parrotia persica 'Jlpn01'PBR

Trees

An upright, columnar tree, ultimately to about 6m tall and 3m across, with flaking, grey-green and pale brown bark. Leaves are narrowly oval, opening rich purple, becoming dark green with a purple margin, then red, orange and yellow in autumn. Clusters of small, greenish flowers with conspicuous red anthers appear in late winter to early spring

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Sand, Loam

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
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
Columnar upright
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
Trade

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well-drained soil, in full sun for the best colour; makes a good, small, narrow, specimen tree. For more advice see tree cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood or softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus