Parrotia persica

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Parrotia persica, the spectacular Persian Ironwood that brings exceptional year-round interest, world-class autumn colour, and architectural presence with its stunning multi-season displays. This outstanding ornamental tree offers remarkable qualities—absolutely spectacular autumn colour that rivals any tree in cultivation with leaves transforming through brilliant shades of crimson, scarlet, orange, amber, gold, and purple creating a stunning tapestry of colour that lasts for weeks, beautiful exfoliating bark that flakes away in irregular patches to reveal a patchwork of grey, green, cream, and pink creating stunning winter interest and year-round architectural beauty, unusual spidery red flowers with prominent crimson stamens that appear on bare branches in late winter providing early season interest, and elegant spreading habit with horizontal branching that creates distinctive layered form, making this one of the finest and most sought-after specimen trees for creating four-season drama, unforgettable autumn displays, and timeless elegance.

Throughout spring and summer, this captivating tree displays its characteristic oval to obovate leaves measuring 6-12cm long with wavy margins and prominent veins in glossy bright to mid-green, creating attractive, healthy foliage. The leaves emerge bronze-tinged in spring before maturing to green. The spreading, often multi-stemmed habit with horizontal branching creates distinctive architectural form reminiscent of a mature dogwood. But the tree’s first display appears in late winter (February-March) when the bare branches become studded with unusual small flowers consisting of clusters of prominent crimson-red stamens surrounded by dark brown bracts—creating a subtle but charming early season display. Then comes the tree’s crowning glory—the autumn colour. From late September through November, the foliage transforms into one of the most spectacular displays imaginable. Each leaf develops brilliant colours—starting with yellow and orange at the edges, then progressing through scarlet, crimson, burgundy, and deep purple, often with multiple colours on the same leaf. The overall effect is breathtaking—a stunning tapestry of jewel-toned colours that rivals the finest Japanese maples. And throughout winter, the beautiful exfoliating bark creates continued interest, flaking away to reveal a patchwork of colours.

Native to the forests of northern Iran and the Caucasus, Parrotia persica is named after F.W. Parrot, a German naturalist who climbed Mount Ararat in 1829. Related to witch hazels (Hamamelis), hence the common name Persian Witch Hazel. Hardy and adaptable once established, this tree thrives in British conditions when planted in neutral to acidic soil with good drainage, performing particularly well in our cool, moist climate. Best autumn colour develops in full sun, though tolerates partial shade. Slow to moderate growth rate, but absolutely worth the wait—mature specimens are garden treasures. The spreading habit and moderate size make this ideal for medium to large gardens where space allows for the horizontal branching to develop.

Create stunning compositions by planting as spectacular specimen trees in lawns, prominent positions, or woodland gardens where the extraordinary autumn colour, beautiful bark, and architectural form can be fully appreciated. Exceptional in Japanese-style gardens, contemporary landscapes, or as commanding focal points in mixed borders. Works beautifully positioned where the autumn colour can be backlit by sun for maximum drama—absolutely stunning when illuminated. Magnificent near seating areas or viewed from windows where the four-season interest can be enjoyed year-round. Plant where the exfoliating bark can be appreciated up close in winter. Perfect for gardens seeking world-class autumn colour and year-round architectural beauty.

Planting: Space trees 8-10m apart if planting multiples, or allow 10-12m for specimen placement to accommodate the spreading mature canopy. Plant container-grown specimens year-round, though autumn or early spring is ideal. Dig holes twice the width of the root ball and incorporate generous amounts of ericaceous compost or leaf mould—acidic soil is important for best autumn colour. Plant at the same depth as the container. Stake for the first 2-3 years. Water thoroughly and mulch with acidic mulch (pine bark, composted pine needles). Choose positions in full sun for best autumn colour, though tolerates partial shade. Avoid exposed sites.

Soil Preparation: Thrives in moist, well-drained, fertile soil with pH 5.5-7.0. Prefers neutral to acidic conditions—best autumn colour develops in slightly acidic soil. Dislikes alkaline/chalky soils which can cause chlorosis (yellowing leaves). Requires deep, moisture-retentive, humus-rich conditions enriched with generous amounts of organic matter, leaf mould, or ericaceous compost. Dislikes waterlogged or very dry soils. Best growth and autumn colour occur in full sun to partial shade with consistent moisture, shelter from harsh winds, and acidic to neutral soil.

Container Growing: Young specimens can be grown in very large containers (minimum 70cm diameter) using ericaceous compost for several years, creating spectacular features with autumn colour and winter bark interest. Water with rainwater if possible (avoid hard tap water in alkaline areas). Feed in spring with ericaceous fertiliser. However, for best long-term health, maximum autumn colour displays, and to allow the characteristic spreading form to develop fully, plant out into the ground where the root system can establish properly.

Seasonal Care: Requires minimal to no pruning—the naturally spreading, horizontal branching habit develops without intervention and should be preserved. Remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter when dormant. Avoid heavy pruning as this destroys the characteristic layered form and architectural beauty. Young trees may naturally develop multiple stems from the base—this can be retained for shrubby form or reduced to a single trunk for tree form. Apply slow-release ericaceous fertiliser in early spring. Mulch annually with acidic organic matter (pine bark, composted pine needles, leaf mould). Water during dry spells, especially in the first 5-7 years until established. Generally pest and disease resistant.

Propagation: Can be grown from seed collected in autumn, though seedlings take many years to reach mature size and flowering/autumn colour displays. Seeds require warm then cold stratification and germination can be slow. Layering is successful—peg low branches to the ground in spring and they will root within 1-2 years. Semi-hardwood cuttings in summer can be attempted with rooting hormone, though success is variable. Professional propagation uses grafting or layering. Home gardeners seeking autumn colour within reasonable timeframes should purchase nursery-grown specimens of good size.