Parrotia persica 'Vanessa'

RHS Plant Profile
Persian ironwood 'Vanessa'
Award of Garden Merit
Trees

A small, upright tree with attractive, flaking bark and small red flowers on bare stems in late winter and early spring. The young foliage is red and bronze turning green for summer then producing spectacular autumn colour with shades of red, orange and purple

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

8-12 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 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
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

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

Propagation

Propagate by semi-hardwood or softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

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

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus